finished this tonight.

Well I love this project! It is a blank journal designed by Ali Edwards, you can find them here cafe press. I started this on January 1, 2007. It is a diary of our families entire year! That's right! I journaled about our excellent and average days. I included photos, stickers, ticket stubs and everything else. I took the album apart and used the computer for all the journaling. I remember when I started this task, I told Julie how tedious it would be.. I was worried that I might abandon the whole thing in June during our move. I was without my printer and materials for over a month, but I kept up on the journaling. Now we can just flip through this and know what a year we had. Hmmmmmmmmm? I wonder if I should do this again this year? I have so many other things going on, but I am thinking it will be a bummer at the end of '08 if I don't have one. We will see..

4 weeks already?

Wow.. Time sure flies with newborns. Can you believe that they are a month old already? Wow! So a recap of the first month. First off, I don't think we are going through diapers too bad. BUT formula is soooooo expensive and we are using quite a bit of that. Plus you have to throw out the made up formula after one hour, so lots of waste there. Neither boys are really into using the swings yet. I am washing bottles like crazy! I have to wash them first thing in the morning and before bed just to get us through. They both love baths, and are good at holding up their heads. They take turns having good nights, one will sleep through the night (except for a feeding) and the other will be up all evening.. then it seems like the next night it is opposite, the other one sleeps and the other is awake. Now about each boy:

Ryan is always needing held and does NOT sleep at all well on his own. He is sooo long now that he irritates my incision with his legs and feet. He is our chunck, eating non stop. He is very alert, and is still much larger than Zach. He will nap in the swing for a short period.

Zachary is really good at falling asleep on his own and staying asleep on his own for a good time. He is still small and not the best eater. He is also very alert and will set on his own and relax. He is also good with a pacifier.

Things are really going pretty smoothly. Jacques does most of the night work, leaving me refreshed for the days. I am physically doing much better, and surprisingly can't wait to get the 6 week check up okay to exercise! I am good at having both twins at once, but it gets hard when you are tending to one, and the other needs something. I am still getting scrapping done, which makes me happy : ) and Jason is still doing pretty good, with the exception that he seems soooo loud all the time! And just in case you are wondering about Jason, he is 4 years 11 months and 2 weeks old!

random reasons why..

I am in love with my husband 1. He has been cooking all our meals, including homemade fajitas tonight and hash browns, eggs and bacon for breakfast. 2. He is doing all the grocery shopping, and using coupons! 3. He is staying up late and through out the night so I can rest. Then he naps during the day. 4. Today he took me to Michael's, Staples, Starbucks and Target. 5. Last night Jason asked for pizza, I said I would get it and he said, "No, I'll get it. The baby is about to wake up so you finish scrappin." 5. He teased me about how I should buy a Cricut today, a major scrap purchase I have been holding out buying.. He told me he watched an infomercial about it and thought it was really cool.. 6. and there are soooooooooo many more reasons too!

quality time, a movie & self portraits

So Jason and I spent some quality time together today.. We went to the movies and saw Alvin and the Chipmunks, HILARIOUS! Two Thumbs Up! In the movie, one of the characters had a Canon camera (same as mine) and Jason says, "Mom that camera is like yours." I guess that means mine is always in his face so much that he can spot a Canon a mile away. Now that's my boy! Anyway we both loved the show. Maybe cause the main actor is no other than Jason Lee! And as promised, photos of the boys. Zach is in the first and Ryan is in the second. Both photos from this evening.

overheard.

So I overheard this conversation between Jacques and Jason early this morning. They were playing around on ebay looking at Ferrari's, Jason's favorite car.

Daddy: It's $190,000.
Jason: That's a good price, huh?
Daddy: Sure. Do you know how fast it goes?
Jason: Two hundred miles per hour.
Daddy: Ummm how did you know that?
Jason: I know everything.

It was so cute and we both were like how did he know about MPH? Anyway.. I will post some pictures of the boys later. I am sure you are all anxious to see how cute they got over the last five days of no photo posts. Later.

green book.

Go, Green! A new fun mini album that I put together yesterday. This is a dollar spot album from Target and is just filled with all things good and green. Totally inspired by elise blaha and her green mini. Enjoy! You can see the whole album here Green Book. Also see that I had a small handed helper in some of the photos : )

score.

I had a couple hours to myself today, YEAH! Totally refreshing and some great deals! I hit all my favorites, starting with Hobby Lobby, Barnes and Noble and Starbucks! I went to find a new blank book and SCORE.. I found them on clearance for 50% off. I bought them all. These are the books that I use for my art journals.. In fact, I am starting a new blog to post all my entries.. So come over and bookmark it Blank Book Blog.. It is my newest project. But before I left the house today, Jason (who didn't want to go with me) still had some requests.. He wanted some glue sticks from Hobby Lobby and a rice crispy bar from Starbucks.. what can I say? He is sooo my mini-me. To make my day even better, I was telling the cashier that I had three week old twins and this other customer turned around and said "You have twins?" I said yes and they were 3 weeks.. and she said "WOW! You don't look like you just had twins!" Wooohooooooooo!! Hello, Compliment, I love you!!

cute couple.

it's 11:04 pm

And the gifts are wrapped and under the tree. The stockings are full and the milk and cookies are gone. Guess who was just here? Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas..

my son is thoughful.

This is sooooo sweet. Tonight we were talking about Christmas and Jason says, "We should leave a present for Santa." I was so excited that he thought that.. Then he runs off to his room and says, "I am gonna find a toy that I don't play with anymore." Then he came out with a soccer ball and asked if Santa like soccer.. and then he tried a few more toys.. Just now I finally convinced him to draw Santa a nice picture.. Christmas is all about giving.. Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas Eve! Here are the boys in their Santa suits, from Bell.. and they actually fit! That's Amazing! Ryan is in the first two, and Zachary is in the last photo. Today Ryan cooperated and Zach did not. Both boys have already had their baths and are napping quietly.. So I got some housework done and am at the computer. Jacques is off to Walmart for last minutes Christmas goodies.. Jason was upset this morning cause he forgot to put a bucket of toy soldiers on his list, so Daddy thought we could wing those instead of bothering Santa this late in the game.. wink ; ) We have a busy today.. Daddy is frying a turkey. Tonight we are going to Irmo to drive through the Christmas light exhibit. We need to spread out the reindeer feed on the lawn, and we need to get the fireplace ready for our visitor! Plus I need to wrap a bunch of gifts and Daddy had some surprises up his sleeve to help with Jason's Christmas magic!! More later.. And here are more shots from this morning Christmas Eve photos. The boys are 3 weeks old today.

yesterdays festivities

A cookie decorating day! We took Jason to a cookie party over at another solider's house. He had so much fun.. and look what we will be leaving Santa to eat! Yummmm! And the boys from yesterday too.. matching snow suits from Ms. Rebecca Bell and Mom.. Zach is on the left and Ryan on the right.. 19 days old already.

a conversation and updates..

Jason: (upset he says) What time does the snow come here?
Me: Ummmmmmm, I dunno. We will have to see.
Jason: But does Santa need snow?
Me: No, Santa is magic.
Jason: I want to move somewhere else..

Jason and I had an interesting conversation today. He is such a worry wort, but it made me sad. And an update from Zachary's weight check up.. He is all good. He weighed in at 6 pounds 6 ounces today! No need to worry. Next check up is at 2 months. And not to leave out my youngest, Ryan started a new formula today for fussy and gassy babies, hopefully this will help out his tummy..

more holiday cheer.

My little Claus.. these are from this afternoon. If you can't tell, in the first two photos, he is dancing back and forth saying "Ho Ho Ho!" What a cutie.. Posting more on my flickr photos..

a holiday scrapbook

by Jason Lee.. Just wanted to share his holiday abc book from school. You can see the whole thing here Jason's Holiday Book. See what a private education gets you? Construction paper, yarn and scrapbooking! Certainly well worth it : ) Have a good one!

merry christmas

and here are a couple snapshots from Sunday the 16th of Jason.. just look at the mischief on his face. I still want to do some more photos.. We all had a better night last night. The babies were up at 245 and 430. They are both now sleeping so after this post, HOUSEWORK!! Honestly, who ever quoted the famous line of "You sleep when the babies sleep" obviously had a maid!

santa baby no. 2

Here are a few of Ryan in his snowflake outfit. I was only able to snap a few, you can tell by his face in the second photo that he is about to let it out! These are from the 15th too. He was 12 days old at the time. There are a few more here Ryan's Christmas Photos. And in case you missed Zach's, they are there too.. I still need to do a few with all the boys.

Both boys had their 2 week check ups yesterday and Ryan weighed in at 6 pounds 8 ounces. He gained a total of 11 ounces! What a Ham! But Zachary has actually not gained any weight since his first check up (6 days ago), in fact he has lost some weight. He will go back on Friday to get weighed again. Until then I am stuffing him full. Later I am gonna get him some McDs, that should put some fat on him : ) KIDDING!

Ughhhhhhh..

it was a long, rough night. I am exhausted, sore and have a head cold to top it off. The babies were up a lot thought out the night, and Jacques did a lot of the work cause I wasn't feeling well. Plus I need to get lots of housework and laundry done and a bunch of other little things too.. A little overwhelmed here today. Another post later with photos.. stay tuned! Ohhhhhhh yeah and today is my 26th birthday!

santa baby

Wohoooo, Christmas Photos! Well some anyway.. these are from this afternoon of Zachary. Loving the altered versions.. and there are a bunch more over on my flickr account, too many to post here.. just click here Zachary's Christmas photos. I still need to do Jasons, who needs a haircut first, Ryans, who slept though todays shoot and all three boys together. Then of the family, but wanted to share these for now.. Happy Holidays!

one asleep, one awake.

And here is where we stand tonight. Zachary is sleeping and Ryan is awake.. and see that all his scratches have healed! Yeah! Today was very busy! Daddy took Jason to and from school and ran a few errands, so my hands were full. Here are some random things to share: 1. Both boys' cord stubs have fell off 2. Both boys' social security cards came today and I mailed off both birth certificates 3. I wash and sterilize 18 bottles, 18 nipples, 18 rings and 18 lids TWICE a day!! First thing in the morning, and last thing at night.. then again in the morning... and so on 4. I have lost 25 pounds already just within these first eleven days, that only puts me at ten pounds heavier than pre-pregnancy weight. Hopefully a little more will still fall off : ) 5. I am feeling very confident all alone with all three boys 6. It was 11 am today when I got around to having my breakfast. 7. The boys' have only two outfits that they fit in, the rest are way too big. And they are still in premie diapers 8. I have yet to do a photo shoot of the babies or our Christmas photos. Later.

Happy Holidays.

This morning before school, Jason picked his clothes out himself.

quote of the day

So tonight as I am holding Zachary who is crying and ready to eat, Jason says to me, "I think he likes his big brother better than you Mom." It was great.. So he sat down with Zach and fed him. I told him I could take him back whenever he was ready and then he said, "I am going to hold him forever." What a lucky little brother. (That is Zach with Jason in the photos from tonight.)

Whewwwww! I am exhausted tonight. I had my first few hours alone with all THREE boys today for about four hours, and they were all angels, seriously! This evening they have been up a lot eating or wanting to be held non stop. They also had baths today and Ryan's cord fell off. Now it is 9 pm and all THREE are asleep so I am off to bed after this quick post..

zoo happy : )

Sooo lovin' this photo! The reflection in the glass, the lil' hand,WONDERFUL! We went to the Zoo today! Just Jason, Mom, Shelby and I. We rented a wheelchair for me to get around in, not really up for walking the Zoo yet : ) and Daddy stayed home with the babies. He did great! We were only gone about 2 hours and I didn't worry a bit, I knew they were in excellent hands! It was some nice alone time for Jason.

Also the twins had their one week check up today (they are actually 8 days old) and I am happy to report that they are doing GREAT and gaining weight! Zach was at 5 lbs. 11 and Ryan was at 5 lbs. 13.. of course they lost some after birth (totally normal) and that's why they aren't tons larger yet. Another check up next Monday at 2 weeks!

i will be up all night..

These two little uns have been asleep since well after 12.. But they are too cute to wake! And I am getting caught up on a lot of things, which makes me happy : ) And we got a brand new dishwasher today!! Zachary is in the first photo and Ryan is in the second, both photos from today.. They are sleeping side by side in their Boppys.. love those things!! Big Brother is outside doing "man work."

Ryan Christain

Both from Friday.. and his scratches are almost all healed up.. Both boys had their first baths here at home yesterday and loved them! I was shocked! They are still both doing great through the night, usually sleeping from 12-4 and then from 5-7 or later.. I get up with them to change and feed then they drift right back to sleep.. Jacques gets up with them at 5 or 6 and I stay in bed till 8 or so.. We are doing good! Now if I can just physically pull it together.. This morning when I came out to the living room, Jacques told me when he was out of the room, Jason was sneaking baby kisses! And also that I was invading the "Boys Club." But Jason said I could be in the girls club, which I am the only member I guess.. Geezee!

two out of three

And from today.. Big Brother Jason being silly and Baby Zach just chillin.. I also realized that these two are the oldest, Ryan is the youngest.. I didn't get any good ones of Ryan today, so more for tomorrow! Look how tiny Zach is compared to the hubby's hand.. so teeny! And open eyes too.. more tomorrow, off to bed.

we are doing great..

The boys today.. Ryan is on the left and Zachary on the right.. They are both a little scratched up on their faces due to their finger nails. They won't keep any mittens on! This is from a power nap the three of us took this afternoon. I love having them both at once, such a sweet feelin. And our first night at home went GREAT! I woke up at 12:30 to pop in a binky and change up Zach and then they both went back to sleep until 5 am, then I woke up their Dad.. he fed them both and they were back asleep until after seven! Hope tonight is that smooth.. I am not sure how long they were out up until 12:30. Mom, Shelby and Jacques put them to sleep for me.

And Jason went back to school today as a Big Brother and got lots of special attention.. I also got his socccer photos back and will post them later as well.. Anyway about supper time here.. Mom cooked lunch and the hubby is cooking supper..

introducing..

Baby A as Zachary Scott Dake born at 12:40 pm on December 3, 2007.. He weighed 5 lbs. 10.8 ounces and was 18" long..

Baby B as Ryan Christain Dake born at 12:41 pm on December 3, 2007.. He weighed 5 lbs. 15.6 ounces and was 19" long..

And They are fraternal twins, and now we can tell them apart. It was hard for me at first because I couldn't hold them together and note differences. Both were healthy and went straight in my room.. I do have to say though, I thought I would be more up for emails and net posting, but I am exhausted.. And I do apologize for all the calls I did not make, as I was not up for that either.. Jacques called a handful of people and that was it. I got really bad later that night and the next morning they had to do a blood patch, which is basically another spinal block but they add my own blood to my spine area instead of meds.. It did not feel good.. BUT we are now home and healthy and here are a few photos to share.. I have a ton more.. Photos: 1. Zachary 2. Ryan 3. Mom and Twins, you can see Zach 4. Zach 5 & 6. Ryan