It's been almost 3 years since this video was taken. In honor of the story in Playdate Magazine, I'm reposting this amazing video. The first 47 seconds is just the placenta, but after that, you'll see some boys.

Happy First Birthday

Dear Bryce and Brendon (or in photo order; Brendon and Bryce),
It is hard to believe that one year has gone by since we first met you boys in person!  You boys are one of the greatest gifts our family could have ever been given.  Your smiles, your laughs, and your distinct personalities make Daddy, Sissy, Big Brother and I so happy.

While you are "identical twins" it doesn't go much further than your DNA.  Bryce, you have become quite the little ham.  You love to laugh out loud, and try to make us laugh as well.  You have the greatest laugh.  You also have the loudest cry, and can really throw yourself down when you want to have a dramatic fit over something.  You remind Daddy and Me of your sister when she was little.  You love to eat paper, chew on cats, and crawl around on the coffee table making loud noises.  You have also managed to escape over and under the baby gate, and Grammy caught you sitting on top of the dining room table.

Brendon, you are always the first to look at a stranger and give them a grin and flirt.  You have a great giggle, but aren't a big talker yet.  You love to crawl up into Daddy's lap and just hang out.  You are so easy going and love to play with the toys.  You are quite the walker, and are working hard to perfect that skill.  You have learned to clap, and will applaud your walking efforts while waiting for everyone else to join you.  You've done almost everything first.  You watched Bryce attempt a crawl, and then got up and started doing it weeks before he figured it out.

Both of you love Kaia and Morgan, and both sets of grandparents, but you each have your favorite people.  Brendon, you have taken a particular liking to your Auntie Kristin, cousin Nina, and Bob one of the elders at church.  Bryce, you are drawn to Nana, Uncle Ian and Auntie Francis.

You both seem to eat the same foods, and love every food we've given you.  You both seem to relish peaches and watermelon.  Grilled cheese sandwiches and peanut butter sandwiches are both popular.  You both surprised me the evening I gave you lamb and green beans with rice.  I wondered if you'd even try the lamb, but you ate it as quickly as you could.  Cheese omelet is your favorite breakfast, but you like scrambled eggs with cheese as well.

As for favorite toys, you both love to play with the kitty cats, cars, and Big Brother's monster trucks.  Often you will both stand at the Fisher Price piano and make music for the rest of us.  And your favorite thing on tv: The Lifewise Washington commercial.  I don't know why, but you both love it.

In closing, Happy Birthday boys!  You have completed our family and been a joy to us all.  We love you!

Love,
Mom, Dad, Kaia and Morgan

Happy Half Birthday Boys!

One year and 12 days ago we received the news that we were adding babies to our family.  Today they are 6 months old.  I'm still not sure how the first 6 months went so fast.  I think maybe time goes by faster when you live in chaos.  But it's a great chaos!

Photos courtesy of Grammy and Papa.

 Taken on their 6 month birthday

The Boys on my Birthday

Photos were taken by my dad

Brendon at 5 months

Bryce at 5 months

The Difference

Having identical twins means that the boys are, well, identical.  But it's easy to begin to see the difference in them and I don't just mean looks.

Brendon is our small guy.  He's still a pound lighter and 2 inches shorter.  This is actually to his benefit, though, as he is a strong little booger.  While Dana was having his finger checked out, Brendon stood against Bryce's car seat and the two laughed at each other.  He's not only strong for his size, he is our serious boy.  Sober Sides is often said around him.  He's not always forthcoming with the smiles, but when he decides to smile and chat you up, be prepared, he's in it for the long run.  He thinks sleeping is overrated, but to his dismay it always catches up to him. (He managed to stay in the position below about 25 seconds or so before starting to fall over. Being a lightweight has its benefits.)

Bryce is our chunk.  He's not that much heavier, but he wears it well.  He looks like a roly-poly chubby baby and he enjoys it that way.  He's not concerned with standing much, but is enjoying trying to sit unassisted.  His smiles come easy and often.  He loves to laugh and enjoys his naps.  He is easy-going most of the time, but once he's ticked off, watch out.

It has been fun getting to know these guys the last 4 months.  Raising them is definitely going to be an adventure.  One that we are so thankful to be on.  I'm so glad to have all of you to share it with!

On this day

On this day 3 years ago, I had my tubes tied.  On this day 1 year ago, I conceived.  It would be another 5-8 days before Bryce and Brendon came to be.  The mind boggling thing for me is, if they hadn't split, would I have Bryce or Brendon?  Or would that baby have been a completely different baby?

One week old

We'll never know, although it is fun to try and wrap my mind around.  What I do know is we're thankful for the boys!

Big Boys

Some days I don't realize how much the boys have grown.  But these two photos from Grammy and Papa definitely give me some perspective.

November 20th, 1 month old

February 4th, 11 days shy of 4 months old

Hard to believe they are the same boys!  They are so darn cute though.  They started rice cereal about 2 weeks ago, and oat cereal 1 week ago.  They love it!  They are both practiced in the fine art of flirting and love to coo and giggle.  

Today was supposed to be their 4 month appointment, but because they have a few days to go, we couldn't get their vaccinations.  Instead they just got to be weighed and measured.  Wondering how much they've grown?  Remember Bryce was 6 pounds 3 oz when born.  Brendon was 5 pounds 6 oz.  

Today Bryce was 13 pounds 14 oz and Brendon was 12 pounds 14 oz.  Bryce was 25 inches long, Brendon was 22 3/4.  And the funny part, Bryce's head circumference was 15 3/4 inches.  Brendon's was 15 3/4 inches.  I swear Bryce's head looks so much bigger than Brendon's.  The fun part about being a twin mom is I get to help with the weights, lengths and circumference, the nurse measures one, then I measure the other.  I measured Bryce's head, and thought he had to be bigger, so I double checked, and it was the same.  

So there is the latest on the growing boys! 

My Stars

2009 In Review

Wow, 2009 is coming to an end.  If ever a year in my life has had a theme, 2009 is it.  I did a Facebook Status compilation, and Danielle pointed out her favorite, "Because God has a sense of humor."  That, my friends, sums up 2009 for the Kihn household.  If on December 30, 2008 you had told me that Dana would need several eye surgeries and change jobs, I'd have believed it.  Had you then gone on to say that we would also find out that I was pregnant and having twins no less, and that I would have surgery to save their lives, well I would have thought you were insane, and yet here we are.

One moment in 2009 really stands out for me. I haven't blogged about it, and really didn't know anyone else had seen it, until my mom mentioned it to me.  On Sunday, June 14th, the day before the surgery for TTTS, we sang the hymn It Is Well With My Soul.  On that day, I sang that song, and I meant every last word.  I knew that no matter what the outcome of the surgery, God was handling it, and I had peace in that.  And that has been the biggest lesson for me in 2009.  God is in control.  While we don't understand it, our whole family is thankful for the blessings of this past year, and I'm praying for easier times in 2010.

Now, let's take a look back at some phrases and photos from 2009.  The photos do not necessarily correspond with the phrases.

January: This just secures my non-placement in the Mom of the Year Award.


February: He has an excellent pedigree, excellent colors, and great temperament. What she didn't count on... he's gay.


March: So if my tubal ligation could interfere with God's plan, how did I see this on March 1st?



April: I just got back from my doctor's appointment. Kaia came with me, and she was thrilled when I pointed out the baby, and then the doctor pointed out the other.




May: It wasn't long before she was able to turn everything into a life or death situation. For instance, sitting on metal turtles.


June: I'm feeling good that the boys will come through the surgery, and I'm praying that they continue to thrive after their blood vessels are separated. I have peace that we are doing what is best for both boys, and the rest is up to God.


July: No, I don't mean sexy. Unless you consider hippos sexy, then maybe...


August: Then she began to rub her belly and say that I should avoid vitamins and that powdered milk from China. Because you know China, it's really sperm. And that sperm if you put it outside in the sunlight it will just shoot in all directions.



September: I agreed, and I told him, "Next time you are 32 weeks pregnant with twins, I promise you can be as cranky as you want to be." He laughed saying he never wanted to be pregnant with twins, and quickly corrected that to never wanting to be pregnant at all.



October: They are so cute that they had to be part of a matched set.



November: SOS isn't dinner. SOS is letters, you can't eat letters.



December: And as of last night, they showed me one of their super twin powers: synchronized farting.

Wow, was my belly really that big?  Amazing how fast we forget.  Thanks for revisiting 2009 with me.  I wish you all a very Happy New Year!

Our 4 cuties

Thanks to Grandpa Gordie for capturing this photo for us.

A few photos

The boys are growing! Brendon is finally out of preemie clothes, and Bryce is almost too big for some of the newborn clothes. 2 oz bottles are slowly becoming 3 or 4 oz bottles and both boys are better at nursing, when they want to nurse.

The boys are happiest when they are together. When they were born, Bryce was the first out. He came out crying and we knew he was a big and healthy boy. What we couldn't see behind the curtain, was Brendon reaching his hand out of the incision and waving it around. Some of the nurses and doctors were joking that he didn't want to be left behind, others said he was learning early to reach for a credit card, but I think he just wanted to know where his brother went. They both pay attention to where brother is and are not happy when separated.

I have started going into work for a few hours a day. It's nice to be out of the house and away from the endless cycle of diapers, feeding and naps. The boys seemed to enjoy their time at Grammy and Papa's yesterday, and I had my first opportunity to try and tell them apart. The good news: I passed. I walked in to see that both boys were in different jammies, I quickly picked out which one was Bryce and which was Brendon.

Sleepy Brendon

Bryce checking things out

Mommy Cinnamon keeping an eye on the boys.

A Matched Set

I was talking to one of the boys yesterday and told him that there was just too much cute for one baby. They are so cute that they had to be part of a matched set. We're still trying to tell them apart without having to look side by side at the size difference or by checking the wrist band or ankle band that are still on. Mo does this best, when he chooses to acknowledge they are people. More often than not, Brendon and Bryce are "it" and "that one." As in, "It looks like it's about to cry." Or "That one is hungry."

Right now we are all doing well and adjusting. I'm recovering from the c-section and tubal ligation, and not feeling well. The boys are being checked almost daily for weight gain, but yesterday the appointment went well enough that we do not have to go in today for a check up.

Thank you so much to all of you for your prayers! Also, I keep receiving wonderful gifts. The Belly Bandit and Lilypadz I asked for are here, although I'm thankful I received 2 Belly Bandits. The small is too small, so my mom exchanged one that she purchased here in town for a medium, and it is still too small. Soon... My grandma also gave us some cute burp clothes, we also received some from the hospital, we got adorable socks from my mom, and corduroy shoes from my aunt. Julie sent us some fabulous swaddling blankets. Grammy has been by to help feed and bring some treats for the older kids. My mom has been busy driving me around and helping in the house. Last we received news that the financing on our Suburban had finally been worked out, at what we wanted. So we have a vehicle that fits us all! I look forward to being back online more soon, but first we have to get past this every 3 hour feeding schedule.

The Boys

Bryce Walker
10/15/09
9:03 AM
6 lbs 3 oz, 20 inches long

Brendon Quinn
10/15/09
9:05 AM
5 lbs 6 oz, 19 inches long

We are all home and healthy. The boys never needed NICU or pediatric care. They roomed in with me the entire time. The entire family loves them, and they are very good babies. Thanks for your prayers, and I promise more photos and a full story soon.

Today's the Day!

Today is the day the boys arrive. Please pray for a safe and healthy delivery for the boys and I. Pray for Dana as he manages the house while I'm in the hospital and Kaia and Mo as they are separated from me for a few days. I can't wait to show you photos and introduce you to these boys!

The List

Julie mentioned in her comment yesterday that I should provide a list, so those who would like to help us with things for the boys can. What is funny is I don't know really know what I still need. I feel like a novice mom again. What should I have on hand for newborns? I'll give you a few lists, because that is how my brain works, when it works.

Things I'll need, but haven't purchased yet:

• Infant Tylenol
• Vaseline (small tub for after the circumcision)

Things I have, but will need more of:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Formula (although we are waiting before buying this, just in case the boys have special needs)
• Meals for after the boys arrive
  

Things I'd like to have, but don't need:

• Bamboo Belly Bandit size small

• Lilypadz (these are similar to nursing pads but don't absorb milk, they keep you from leaking in the first place)

Maybe there is something I'm forgetting? I don't know. I did receive a nice envelope full of formula, diaper and baby stuff coupons from Danielle. And a friend that had her little girl yesterday, gave me the most adorable dinosaur hats and mittens for when they get bigger. Most of the things I will need are big and bulky, and probably cost more to ship than to purchase. So if you would like to buy me diapers, you can always buy a Target or Wal Mart gift card and specify diapers. I promise that the gift card will be matched up with coupons to get the best possible deal.

If you would like to help, you may email me at DTKMKihn at Yahoo for our address, or send to the church and specify the Kihn family or Brendon and Bryce Kihn:
Summit View Church of Christ
100 N 72nd Ave
Yakima WA 98908

Most of all, what we need, and what you are already freely giving is prayer. Prayers that these last few days go well. Prayers that the boys arrive safely. And prayers that we all adjust to life as a family of six smoothly. Thank you!

Just Days

We are just days away from meeting our boys! Today, I am 36 weeks. The boys will be here this time next week. It's exciting, awe inspiring and at times scary. Are we really ready for 4? Maybe not, but soon we will be a family of 6 and I'm sure things will all fall into place.

During the last few weeks, I received a big box of bottles, breastmilk storage bags and supplies from my friend in Philadelphia. That is a big need filled and I'm so grateful! Then last weekend my aunt stopped by with a box of goodies. She had board books for Kaia and Mo to read to the boys (they loved that it was a gift for the 4 of them to enjoy). There was also a nursing bracelet, an udder covers nursing cover, baby toiletries, and some pampering for me! She had razors, shave cream, bath scent, and a travel size package of Aveeno products for me to enjoy. I think the Aveeno will likely go into my hospital bag, as some will come in handy during my hospital stay.

The boys and I are still very healthy. While my legs look like an elephant's and I feel crippled, I am doing better now than I was a few months ago. My blood pressure has improved and my body is still keeping the boys in nice and tight. The boys also look great. Both were doing practice breathing, a very important sign. Brendon is still breech and hanging out more across the top of my uterus, while Bryce is in the alpha position with his little head down in my pelvis.

Thank you so much for all your thoughts, prayers and well wishes for us! I have some posts in mind for the next few days, but cannot wait for the big post announcing their birth and showing off their beautiful faces.

A Final Belly Shot?

Probably not, but it could be my last belly post, it's all up to the boys. One thing is for sure, in 2 weeks time, Dana and I will have Bryce and Brendon with us. It's exciting and anxiety inducing all at the same time.

How about a comparison? 15 weeks to 35 weeks

A few things have changed, and so our plans must be altered a bit. Due to the flu, no one under the age of 14 is allowed to visit maternity, NICU, or pediatrics at the hospital. Also only 2 healthy, adult visitors are allowed at a time per patient. Finally if your support person is ill, they will be required to leave. The 2 visitors at a time has been a policy for some time, but never enforced. I've seen groups of 8 walking to a room to visit the mom and baby. But, a security guard now checks in all visitors as they step off the elevator. I have to say that my NST yesterday was the quietest I've ever had. It was nice.

While we are really disappointed that Mo and Kaia will not be able to come to the hospital to meet their brothers, I'm happy that there won't be large groups of people in the halls, and that I won't need to worry about the boys becoming ill due to other people's visitors.

I'm not visiting or commenting on your blogs as much these days, but I will be back soon. That was often my break at work, but our internet has been slower than molasses in January. At home, I'm just flat out tired. I do appreciate all your prayers as the big day draws near!

Gifts for the boys

I am so grateful for all the gifts that have been coming in for the boys, and for us. We have cans of soup and cornbread mix in the cupboard, and casseroles in the freezer thanks to ladies from our congregation. We also have size 1 diapers thanks to them also. Gifts have been coming from family and friends, from here in town and far away. One surprise gift was 2 crocheted blankets from a friend in Charleston. Here are some photos of a few things we've received these last few weeks.

These warm fleece pants with zip up hoodies were a gift from my aunt and uncle. They look and feel so snug and warm!

These adorable onesies came in from Aunt Pat. I love the slogans, so true! She dropped these off yesterday after taking Kaia to the movies.

These adorable jammies are from June. She's making sure her newest grandsons are well dressed. When Mo was coming it seemed like everything we received (through baby showers, from friends and family) was sports because that's what was out in the stores. I liked those things, but love the recycling and dinosaurs and puppy prints we are getting this time even more.

Last, after months of trying to figure out what to do when I have 2 infants and need to set one down, I decided a Moses Basket would be perfect. I'm not a car seat carrying mom. My back does not like me that much and it would be hard to carry 1 boy, a car seat and wrangle Kaia and Mo. Mom bought me this beautiful Moses Basket, which is lightweight and will make the perfect portable bed. I can wear one boy in a sling or pack, carry the other, and just sling this over my arm or have Kaia carry it.

And don't worry, the diaper table is still getting good use! The cover for the changing pad remains in a wicker basket underneath to keep it cat hair free.

I also have exciting news... the big day is set! If these boys don't make an attempt to come on their own, then my c-section will be Thursday, October 15th! So I know I will be meeting my boys in mere days!

Naughty!

Dear Readers,
I have been a very bad blogger. I have had an appointment in Seattle, and haven't updated you all yet. We've received some fabulous gifts for the boys, and I haven't taken photos to show you. Just when I thought I'd be resigned to wearing the same 3 outfits to work every day for the rest of this pregnancy, I was gifted with 4 more shirts and a dress by my aunt and uncle and still no photos. We've been blessed with food and diapers from the congregation, and I haven't mentioned it until now. You have been by to say hi, to check on our progress, and I haven't written a post or even visited you in most cases.

I'm sorry! I do think of you, and I do miss reading your blogs and commenting. I've composed several posts in my head, but not one has made it onto this blog. Barb mentioned my ticker, and what's scary is I have fewer days than the 46. In 24 days or less, we should be meeting these boys. There is a big part of me that wants them to stay in at least another 11 days or more to cook, but another part of me would like them out now!

My appointment Wednesday was my last visit to Seattle! My good friend Jenny and her youngest daughter Anna came with me. The NST looked good, once I woke Bryce up. The ultrasound was done by a very sweet, but very SLOW intern. It took a full 2 hours, something that hasn't happened before. By 3:15 p.m. when I checked in for my should have been 3 p.m. appointment, I was beat! So was my perinatologist, who is about 4 weeks ahead of me.

She said that the boys looked great. Bryce is measuring at 4 lbs 3 oz and Brendon at 3 lbs 15 oz. She also explained to me why Dr. Walker (the specialist) recommends a c-section. She also let me know that with my history of easy vaginal births, she would be supportive if, knowing the risks, I wanted to try for that. 5% risk of complications is really small considering everything these boys have gone through, but I'm happy to cut that specific risk to pretty much 0 and have a c-section. Plus, that way I can have another tubal ligation.

The boys are doing so well, that as far as my peri is concerned, we've accomplished what we needed to with them. She said if I were to go into labor today, she wouldn't try to stop it. So my job of baby carrying has shifted from taking care because they need it, to taking care because I need it. I'm battling swelling, exhaustion, insomnia, upset stomach, reflux, and just general crankiness. If I've talked to you lately, and I was rude, I apologize. It's really not intentional, I just have no patience or tolerance left in me. Just thinking at times is too much.

I hope that doesn't read as whiny. That isn't my intent. I just want to keep track of what's happening right now. I think even easier to forget than the pain of labor (and I realize that I did have an epidural both times, but it hurt before the epi) is the way we feel before labor. Those last few weeks of waiting. In the last few months I kept looking back thinking I was whining too much those last weeks with Mo. It couldn't have been that bad. Well, now I'm here, and this pregnancy is very different from the last, and I no longer condemn myself for being a wuss. I wasn't, it's just easy to forget how it all feels.

I am still enjoying watching all the interesting shapes my belly can become. I also love to see the elbows and knees, hands and feet that seem to almost constantly be tracing my belly. I even enjoy feeling them push each other, especially after reading that it's in this last trimester that twins will begin interacting with each other.

I'll post again this week to share some of our new treasures for the boys. I can't wait for the day where I'm posting their birth announcement, and busy snuggling them in my arms.

32 weeks and growing!

Believe it or not, I can still get the shirt on.

The belly isn't so pretty anymore with the stretch marks and random rashes. But the cargo inside is beautiful!