3 winter gifts

White Christmas

2009-12-30T08:53:00.014-06:00

We had a wonderful holiday season. Beautiful weather (if you like snow), lots of family time and great food!!

Tate and Tara didn't really understand what all the fuss was about, but they loved playing with the new toys (and boxes!)

Gage was SO EXCITED about Santa. And since he was such a good boy this year Santa left him many, many new toys.

We made a lot of stops during our Christmas weekend including my Grandma Brooks' house where we took a picture of Grandma with two sets of twins. There are three sets in our family; my uncles, my cousins, Kacey and Lacey and my twins.

We also ate lunch with Aubie's Aunt Sue and her family. They spoiled us with pies and presents!!

We spent time with my parents, my brother and his wife, Beth. Shane and Beth are expecting their first child in July 2010 so we had a wonderful time dreaming of what next Christmas will be like with another baby in the house!!

Saturday afternoon we braved the icy roads and went to Aubie's mom's house. Robert, Susan and their three girls, Catey and her two boys were all there to open presents and watch the chaos!

After all of that traveling and play, Tate was too tired for dinner!!

Fall

2009-11-18T21:37:00.004-06:00

We had our first family pictures made last weekend. It was wild and hectic, but the memories will be worth it! Everything is going very well here (knock on wood!!) Tara is still taking a few steps, here and there, but she's not up to a mile per day like we thought she would be. She had a chicken pox scare last week, but it turned out to be hand-foot-mouth virus which was still hard on her, but it cleared up much faster and was much less severe than the chicken pox. Tate is cutting more teeth (he has two on bottom, one on top and is getting another on bottom! A little unorthodox in pattern, but they will all show up eventually!) He had his first dose of antibiotics last week for an ear infection (he finished his antibiotics the day Tara got sick!!) He also had another asthma flair up, but we were able to get it under control quicker than before and without oral steroids. Gage is SO excited about visiting Aryn, Addy and Ainsley for Thanksgiving. He truly thinks those girls hung the moon (as do we). He is doing so well in school and is getting taller every day (as evident by the length of his jeans!!) Aubie's schedule has slowed down, finally, so we are enjoying more family time which is a WONDERFUL thing!

I found this picture on Aubie's computer. It is the last picture taken of me before the twins were born. I look slightly uncomfortable, don't you think?!!! This was Gage's 4th birthday party, which was exactly one week before Tate and Tara were born. We measured my "waist" that week and it was 44"!! Time truly slips away from you...

NO WAY!!

2009-11-09T21:37:00.002-06:00

The twins will be 10-months old tomorrow. And Tara is walking. Seriously! Aubie's cousins, Lori, Chelsea and Chloe, came over tonight. Tara has always been fascinated with Lori (LoLo). Well tonight Tara let go of the couch, stood up for a minute then took off walking to her!! IT WAS CRAZY! She took 2 steps the first time, 3 steps the second time and then 2 steps back towards Gage. I'll try to get pictures tomorrow. Goodnight.

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-01T19:57:00.004-06:00

We had a great time at Gage's FIRST school party and trick or treating. We had two days of candy and fun!!

9 months old...ALREADY?!

2009-10-23T16:54:00.002-05:00

This post is long past due, but I've been a little under the weather. (Nothing a strong antibiotic and zyrtec couldn't cure!!) Currently, at this moment, we are all healthy. Gage's babysitter was diagnosed with H1N1 yesterday, so we are closely monitoring everyone!!

Tate and Tara went for their 9 month check up last Friday (October 16). Tara has grown SO MUCH in the last 3 months!! She is 28"long and weighs 18 lbs 2 oz! She has packed on 3" and 5 lbs in 90 days! She has 6 teeth (4 top, 2 bottom) and her first word was "dada." She is speed crawling, pulling up on everything, cruising around stuff and standing, very briefly, on her own. She and Gage crawl-race around the living room and she has actually come very close to beating him. She recognizes the word "no" and has started fake crying when she hears it. Too cute! Her favorite activity is GETTING INTO CABINETS!! Definitely time to baby-proof everything!

Tate is still our chubba-bubba. He is 28 1/4" long and weighs 21 lbs 6 oz. We're trying more meds to control his asthma. He's currently taking Singulair and Pulmicort daily and using his albuterol as needed, which is usually twice daily. {Please say a quick prayer that he is one of the millions of children that "grow out of" asthma...I don't want it to affect his ability to play with friends or participate in activities.} He has 2 bottom teeth and he has the cutest giggle! Luckily he is a very happy baby so every where we go people comment on his adorable laugh!! His first official word was "up" which he started saying when he was finished eating and wanted out of his highchair. Now he says it anytime someone walks by him!! He can crawl but he doesn't do it often. He's usually content just watching everyone else!

Gage got his first report card and it was nearly perfect. He also had his first school pictures which are very cute but they made me sad...he looked like a big kid!! He is so excited about Halloween and all the parties that are coming up.

Nothing new. YAY!

2009-10-04T19:42:00.007-05:00

Everyone is healed up and we're getting back to our version of normal. Tate is on his preventative asthma medicine and seems to be handling it well. I've added some new pictures. The twins have started eating fresh fruit and yogurt. They're favorites are bananas and grapes. Gage took a picture with his kitten (which unfortunately is no longer with us) and his favorite book that he got at the Jenks aquarium. Have a great week.

All is well...currently

2009-09-27T08:16:00.002-05:00

It has been a looooong 10 days. It started a week ago Wednesday. Tara woke up with a 103.5 fever and vomiting. I took her to the doctor and he said it was either a) a virus or b) the flu. Either way, we needed to just watch it closely and let it run its course. Thursday afternoon Tate had to be picked up a daycare because he was running a 102.5 fever. Friday was full of sick, cranky kids. Saturday I woke up not feeling well and running a low fever. Sunday I was miserable so Aubie called the grandparents for help and I stayed in bed all day. Everyone was patched up enough to go back to work/daycare Monday. Tate's asthma was aggravated by the sickness so I took him to the doctor Wednesday and we began oral steroids. Once this flair-up is settled, we will start a daily preventive medicine to help get us through the winter without many more problems (hopefully). Thursday Aubie was running a fever and felt horrible. But right now, today, everyone feels better!!! Gage is the only family member that did not catch this bug (guess it shows who has the toughest immune system!!)

And during this whole escapade, Tara cut both of her top, front teeth!! Talk about bad timing!! She now has 4 teeth and she will use them on you if given the chance...yeah, we're working on learning the word "no."

The new is wearing off

2009-08-30T10:33:00.007-05:00

We are slowly adapting to all of our "new." Gage's new school schedule. He attends all day pre-k so he gets dropped off at school at 7:50 and he rides the bus to Kallie's house (his babysitter) where I pick him up at 4:30. It's a loooong day, but he is adapting very well and he seems to enjoy all aspects of his "new" weekday.

Tara's new moves. Our sweet daughter is crawling and GETTING INTO EVERYTHING!! She is army crawling, which is adorable but rough on her knees! She likes to play with the dirty shoes by the front door and she likes to crawl under the kitchen table (where she gets stuck and screams until we save her). She likes to try to get into the refrigerator, the entertainment center, the closet...basically anywhere that has a door that prohibits her entrance!! She is hilarious.

Tate's new voice. He has learned to screech and he is repeating sounds. He'll repeat "uh oh" and "hi." It's soooo cute! The screech is NOT SO CUTE!! You'd think his toes were being pinched off the way he carries on. He is still smiley and easily entertained. He is such an easy baby.

Here are a few new photos. We took all the kids to have their pictures taken yesterday. There is a reason we haven't taken all 3 of them before! It was wild, but the pictures turned out nice so it was worth it.

Small fry

2009-08-16T13:56:00.005-05:00

We are very fortunate to have 3 healthy kiddos. So many things can go wrong with pregnancies and infants that it is truly amazing any of us are "normal" (physically normal...I am, in no way, implying that we are a normal family!!!) People often look at me with questioning eyes when I talk about Tara being small. I'm not saying she's ill. I'm not saying she is suffering from a bizarre disease. I am simply stating that she is a very petite girl. Maybe she'll take after Aub and have insane, super-human metabolism!! Whatever the case, she is an adorable baby with tiny features and a big personality!

Here's my point...most babies wear clothing that is associated with their age. Zero to three month clothes are typically worn by children who are 0-3 months of age.

Tara is 7-months, 6-days old and can still wear 0-3 month clothes.

But, to make up for her small stature, she is spirited and spunky (politically correct terms for wild and stubborn!!) She loves stealing toys and trying to bite Tate. She scratches the couch and spits out her food. All followed by an adorable smile and heart melting giggle!

It's the beginning of The Adventures of Small Fry!

Summer is over...

2009-08-13T21:28:00.003-05:00

Gage loves pre-K. He has yet to shed a tear over the entire situation. (As for Mom, well, I've used an entire box of tissues!) Gage enjoys class, especially art time. He takes his lunch in a big Spiderman lunch box that is tucked safely inside his Go Diego Go backpack. It's definitely a little boy ensemble!

The boys watching cartoons before school.

Gage leaving our house.

In his classroom.

11 years

2009-08-09T08:22:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was our 11th wedding anniversary. Yes, I got married when I was young (like 14...that would mean I was still in my 20's, so we'll go with it!! LOL!) The kids spent the afternoon with my parents so we could go out to eat at a "grown up" restaurant. It was nice to have an uninterrupted meal!! Aubie was laughing, saying that if someone had told him on our wedding day that in 11 years he'd have a 4 year old, twin babies and all the craziness that comes with it, he would have called them a liar!! It will be neat to see what the next 11 years holds for us.

The kiddos are doing great. TATE FINALLY HAS TEETH!!! Both bottom teeth broke through on Thursday. He's in a much better mood now! Tara is somewhat mobile. She's not technically crawling, but she wiggles and worms around until she gets where she wants to be...which is usually around stuff she doesn't need! Tate has outgrown his infant carrier, so I'm moving him to a convertible car seat today. It doesn't seem possible that they have grown this much!

Gage starts pre-K Wednesday. He's ready. I am not! I'll post "first day of school" pictures soon.

Just another day

2009-07-18T17:17:00.005-05:00

There isn't anything too exciting happening around the Keesee house. At this moment everyone is healthy, happy (actually sleeping) and things are just "normal." And we are SO thankful!! It's a wonderful relief to not have any drama that must be dealt with or any major stresses that must be handled. It's an amazing feeling great to have the day-to-day regular stuff with nothing out of the ordinary. It's like we finally have a moment to catch our breath.

Here are a couple of pictures of the twins. Tate still hasn't gotten a tooth yet. Poor, poor kid! His gums were bleeding today, so I'm sure we're very close. I've also included a picture of Aubie and Gage. It's been mentioned that there are no new pictures of me on here (as the author of this blog I get final editing privileges!!!) so I will try to post some very soon.

As time goes by...

2009-07-07T08:34:00.006-05:00

It seems that time is flying by and I'm unable to keep up! I'm very sorry it has been 5 weeks since my last entry...I will try to do better (key word: try!!)

We have been extremely busy this summer. Aubie has 1,000 camps and meetings he must attend (yes, that is a mild exaggeration) and while I enjoy having the kiddos all to myself, sometimes they gang up on me! I'm very fortunate that I have a fantastic family that is eager to help and I'm learning how to ask for help. I've always been able to "do it myself" so it's hard for me to admit that I can't do it all!

Gage is growing like a weed. He is considerably taller than he was this spring. He is SO excited about starting pre-k in August. He and cousin Addy picked out his new backpack last weekend! I'm not as excited about the change, and on occasion I get a little weepy about how quickly he has grown up. But then I think about our daycare bill and I realize that public school rocks!

In baby news, TARA HAS A TOOTH! Her gums started swelling over the weekend and then yesterday...poof! she had a tooth on the bottom right. Poor Tate's gums have been swollen for 2+ weeks now and he has been drooling like crazy and very (very) cranky, but no teeth yet. They are so close to the surface I think one good bite and they will come through!

Tara weighs 13# 13 oz and is 25" long. She is rolling around everywhere and is working on crawling. She's not going anywhere yet, but I don't think it will be much longer before she's able to chase Gage around!

Tate weighs 16# 14 oz and is 26" long. He talks all the time (don't know where he got that! ha) and is just the happiest baby you'll ever meet. He sleeps on his tummy and has, on occasion, slept through the night.

Aubie's birthday is this weekend. He'll be OLD (early 30's)!! I'll try to get a couple of family pictures to post so you can see how ancient he looks! ha ha.

All Star

2009-05-30T07:52:00.004-05:00

Number six for YOUR State Farm Yard Dawgs is (to the tune of Thunderstruck) GAAAGE KUUH-ZEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Tball season has officially begun and Gage is loving it! We play two nights per week for 6 weeks. It is so fun to watch the kids...some were making dirt angels, some were using their glove for dirt scoops while others wore it as a face shield! Every now and then they would remember they were playing a ballgame and they'd catch a ball. Adorable!

We took the twins to the games this week. They really enjoyed being outside and they were great cheerleaders! Tate is feeling better (he had a touch of bronchitis last week) and they have gotten back to their regular sleep schedule (only waking once around 2 a.m.).

Have a great weekend.

Healthy babies

2009-05-13T21:26:00.008-05:00

I took Tara and Tate to the doctor for their 4 month appointment Tuesday. They are both doing great! We feel like the luckiest parents because we have been blessed with 3 amazing, healthy kids!

Tate's wheezing is better. I'm allowed to do his breathing treatments "on demand" instead of a schedule. He tips the scales at 15 lbs, 3 oz and is 23 1/4" long.

Tara is suffering from a case of dry skin but everything else is fantastic. She impressed the doctor with her strength. She weighs 12 lbs, 9 oz and is 23 3/4" long...yes you read that right...she is longer than Tate and 2 lbs, 10 oz lighter!!! So, while she might look a lot like her mother, she seems to be growing like her father!!

I also had my first "solo" night. Aubie had an overnight meeting last week and I had all 3 kids, alone, on a week night. We managed ok (only Gage got a bath that night, but we didn't smell too bad!) and I even made it to work on time the next day!!

I've included their 4 month studio pictures. Have a great week.

4 months

2009-05-08T21:54:00.009-05:00

We are all doing ok. Tara rolled over on Saturday (May 2). Aubie and I were both able to see it...which means everything to us!! I've started introducing them to rice cereal. Tara isn't really sure about it, but the spoons look like fun.!! We're taking them tomorrow to have their pictures made. I can't believe it's already time for that again.

Tate is great. He's not at all ready to roll over yet...his head is a little heavier than Tara's so it's going to take more upper body strength to push everything to one side!! He still smiles a lot and gives lots of giggles. He thinks he likes cereal, but it would be easier if I would just let him eat with his hands (or so he thinks!) I think he's going to get teeth first. His bottom gums are starting to get puffy and the extreme drooling has begun.

Gage has an earache and mild fever, but I'm sure it will pass soon. We can tell it's not too serious because as soon as his Tylenol kicks in he's ready to play again! He had a lot of fun playing with Dustin, Josh and Eric last week (some of our college friends that come in every year for a hunting weekend.) He wants to wear his camo pants everyday like the guys did!! Too cute.

I hope you enjoy the picture. Have a great Mother's Day weekend.

2 posts in one day...a record!!

2009-04-23T15:16:00.010-05:00

I finally found the camera cable so here are a few weeks worth of pictures. Sorry if some are blurry. I had the camera on the wrong setting for...well, I don't know for how long!!!

lovely faces!

Easter!
At Grandma Brooks' house.

Ahhhh...quiet.

2009-04-23T12:49:00.006-05:00

As a mom I repeat many things over and over again...the most recent catch phrase has been for everyone to be quiet!! The twins have no obvious signs of ever having breathing issues. Their lungs are very strong!! They can scream until you think your eardrums will burst. Gage has found, what I affectionately call his Keesee voice, which is LOUD! And it's usually loud for no apparent reason. He just talks decibels above the volume required for us to hear him. So, while we once poked fun at my sister-in-law for living in the "loud house" (she also has 3 children) I think we could now compete with them!

The twins are doing great. Tate is still taking breathing treatments for his wheezing. I really think a lot of it is due to the insane weather changes and allergies. He is a chunker with rolls of beautiful baby fat on his arms and legs. He has a wonderful disposition. He smiles a lot and he has the funniest giggle. It's like a chuckle but deeper in his throat. He "talks" all the time (add this to the above mentioned noise!) and while he hasn't said anything meaningful yet I can tell that mama is on the way!!

Tara is still a petite thing. She seems very reserved. She does not hand out smiles by the dozen like her brothers...you must earn them!! But when you finally prove to her that you deserve one it is the most beautiful thing in the world. Her entire face lights up and her steel-blue eyes dance!

Gage really enjoys t-ball. Aub might be right...we might have a future Cub or Ranger on our hands! He has been asking a million questions about tornadoes. Its not easy to explain to a 4 year old, but it is part of our Oklahoma life!

The many looks of Gage...

2009-04-22T16:25:00.002-05:00

It is always a surprise when Gage gets in front of the camera!

11 weeks old...already??

2009-03-28T08:49:00.002-05:00

MY GOSH...time is flying!! I can't believe how big our babies are getting (all 3 of them!!) Tate and Tara are doing great. This week they have started sleeping better. They go to bed at 9:00 pm and usually wake up around 1:30 am and again around 5:00 am. This is a vast improvement from the 4+ times we have been waking up with them!!! I'm just tired now instead of a sleep-deprived zombie!! ha ha! The twins woke up with stuffy noses this morning...I'm sure a result of the crazy Oklahoma weather.

Gage is doing well too. He is (finally) getting taller and he's very excited to start pre-k in August. We have signed him up for t-ball this summer and he's thrilled to have his own ball bat and glove!!

I have new pictures to post, but at the moment I can't find the camera cable!!

(Almost) 10 weeks old

2009-03-20T13:14:00.002-05:00

The check up went great yesterday. Tara weighs 9 lbs, 10 oz and is 20 3/4" long. Big Tate tips the scales at 11 lbs, 8 oz and 21 1/2" long. The doctor is very pleased with their progress. Tate has a herniated belly button, but the doctor said almost all cases heal themselves with no medical intervention.

The shots were worse than I imagined...Aub and I both teared up!! But we're done for 2 more months (and then I'll beg him to take them by himself!!)

fun pictures

2009-03-19T10:02:00.006-05:00

I'm taking the twins to the doctor for a check up this afternoon then it's time for their first round of shots. As much as I'd like to skip it, I know it is necessary...but couldn't they make immunizations in candy form??? It would be a lot easier for the kids and parents!

The pictures are of Toto (our puppy with the same birthday as the twins!), Tate wearing my ring and Tara wearing Aub's ring. Don't you just love baby feet?!?! I'll post about their check up tomorrow.

It has been wild...

2009-03-14T12:50:00.005-05:00

I'm sorry we haven't posted in a few weeks...things have been chaotic! I returned to work on March 2nd (boo)and my mom has been watching the twins for us. She was very sick the first week I went back to work so we had to change schedules and improvise...which made an already stressful time even more stressful!! (No fault of her own. It was just bad timing for tonsillitis. She is feeling better but still doesn't have a voice. Aub says she sounds like Minnie Mouse!) Everyone is currently feeling great and work is...well it's paying the bills!!!

We took the twins to have pictures made on March 2nd also. We wanted to have them made when they were 5 weeks old because that's when we had Gage's made, but they were sick that week so they were 7 weeks old before we were able to take them out. I will scan the pictures next week and post them. They are so cute!!

Tate is growing like a weed. He is super chunky and just adorable. He's suffering from reflux (that's what we think it is) so he constantly smells like spit, but even that is cute!! He still doesn't like tummy time but he loves to look out the window.

Tara is still a tiny little thing (we're guessing her around 9 lbs!) She is very strong and holds her head up very well. She is also very loud when things are not going her way! Her favorite toy is a green frog that Gage played with when he was little. She'll stare at froggy until her eyes cross!

The whole family made an outing last night. We went to Okemah to a Mexican restaurant Aub had heard about. All 3 kids were very well behaved and the food was good. It will take time for us to get accustomed to being "attractions." We had 4 complete strangers come over to see the twins and talk to Gage! We stopped at the grocery store and people were pointing at us. Everyone was super friendly, it is just an adjustment for us!!

I've posted pictures of the twins on their 2-month birthday.

on the mend...

2009-02-28T08:16:00.002-06:00

We took Tate back to the doctor yesterday and Dr Mettry thinks he is slowly getting better. He is still wheezy but he sounds better. He hasn't had a fever in a few days and he only got sick twice yesterday. All of these things point to a recovering kid. Dr Mettry said to expect coughing and gagging for a while longer because this will take a while to clear up. He also hinted that Tate might develop asthma. We also took Tara because she has a rash..I thought it was heat rash and I was almost right. It's a baby rash that is closely related to heat rash. Nothing serious and it will clear up on it's own.

Tate update

2009-02-24T14:28:00.002-06:00

Tate went back to the doctor yesterday and while his fever was lower, he was still wheezing so we started using a nebulizer with albuterol. No improvements last night, and really none today, but we're hopeful that the medicine will kick in soon and he will start to feel better. We've had a few really long nights and it's tough on everyone...especially Tate. He has been vomiting after feedings (we're talking projectile) but he has held down his last 3 bottles so maybe we're over that (fingers, toes and eyes crossed!) I'll update again soon. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

feeling green

2009-02-21T08:10:00.003-06:00

It's official...the Keesee house is contaminated!! Tara is feeling better. She is still coughing a little but overall she is on the mend.

Tate is sick now. I took him to the doctor Thursday and he had a fever of 101.3 so he had to have blood work done to rule out the flu and RSV. Turns out it is a viral infection...so while that's not good news it is WAY better than the other options!! I took him back to the doctor Friday because he is more congested and isn't eating. The doctor gave me two choices. Choice A was to have Tate admitted to the hospital for IV fluids. Choice B was to take Tate home and make him eat at least 1 oz ever hour to ensure that he gets hydrated. I picked choice B! He did okay last night (he actually ate 2 oz at the 4 a.m. feeding!!) so I don't think we will have to go to the hospital today. He is coughing, very congested and a little wheezy, but hopefully this will run it's course quickly.

We woke up this morning to Gage crying. About the time Aubie got to him he started getting sick. It sounds crazy but I hope Gage caught this from the twins (I know that is doubtful) because if this is a new virus the twins will have it in a few days too. Basically we have lots of sick kiddos and not a lot of sleep!!!!

Gage did get a happy surprise this week. Aubie brought home a new puppy! It's 1/2 border collie and 1/2 mini Australian Shepherd...SO FUZZY AND CUTE!!! Gage named him Toto. Nothing is cuter than a little boy and his puppy chasing each other around the yard!!

first fever

2009-02-18T11:43:00.003-06:00

I don't know how it happened...we've been under "house arrest" trying to prevent the babies from getting sick but it didn't work. Tara was running a 100 degree fever last night. Both babies' eyes are runny and matted. They are both congested and cranky. It makes me so sad. I honestly don't know how they caught this cold. I haven't taken them anywhere...they haven't been to a restaurant, to church, to work or a store. Gage washes his hands as soon as he gets home from school and Aubie changes clothes when he gets in from work. I guess germs are sneaky and can get to you regardless of how much you clean!! Anyway, I talked to the doctor and he gave me a couple recommendations and if they aren't better tomorrow I will take them in. Poor things...

Improvement

2009-02-14T08:45:00.002-06:00

We have made feeding improvements this week...it seems that the twins are lactose intolerant. Gage was lactose intolerant too, but he outgrew it (he started regular milk when he was 3 1/2 years old.) So, the nurses told us to watch the twins because lactose sensitivities are often hereditary. We started noticing many of the warning signs so we switched to soy formula Thursday and they are already happier! They are going 2 1/2 - 3 hours between feedings and have less gas. It will take a few days for us to see the total effects but we are pleased with the progress thus far.

Hope everyone has a happy Valentines day!

As promised...

2009-02-12T13:35:00.004-06:00

Here are new pictures of our adorable babies (yes, we are a little biased!) They have started having feeding issues the last few days, so we've been busy playing detective, trying to figure out exactly what the problem is and how to fix it. It hurts us to see them grimace with gas pains! We cut back on the breast milk yesterday and we changed formula today. We'll see if either of these changes helps.

one month old

2009-02-10T07:58:00.004-06:00

I can not believe the twins are a month old today. It seems like yesterday that they were born...but then again I can't remember what my life was like before they were here!

They are doing well. We had a weight check today and Tate is up to 8 lbs 8 oz! Tara is at 7 lbs 12 oz and is almost 20" long. They don't sleep very much at night (we're up every 2 hours) but everything else is great. They eat like champs and they are starting to track objects with their eyes. I will try to post new pictures tomorrow!

Due Date

2009-02-04T07:48:00.007-06:00

Today is the twins due date...crazy to think that they should just now be born!! I've been dealing with some mother's guilt about having them so early but I can honestly say I can't imagine carrying them until now!!!

They have grown so much and their personalities are starting to shine.Tara is a wiggle worm that loves to cuddle and she MUST be touching someone to go to sleep. Tate despises tummy time but loved taking a tub bath with Gage lastnight. Tara is a messy eater (we're talking milk running down both sides of her face while she smears it around with her hands!!) while Tate can efficiently and cleanly knock out a bottle in 10 minutes! They are the funniest, cutest babies ever...since Gage anyway!!

I've added a picture of Tate in his favorite hat! Go Pokes!

19 days old

2009-01-29T16:57:00.004-06:00

We took the twins for another check up today and we received a surprise...Tate weighs 7 lbs 1.5 oz and is 19 3/4" long. That's an increase of 1 lb 5 oz and 1/4" since birth!! Not to be outdone, Tara weighs 6 lbs 8 oz and is 18 1/2" long. She had an increase of 1 lb and 3/4"!! The doctor was pleased with their progress and we were happy to know why they have been waking up every 1 1/2 hours for food!!

All is well...

2009-01-26T11:17:00.006-06:00

Not to jinx things, but everything is going really well around the Keesee house. The babies are getting stronger every day. They are eating over 2 oz per feeding now! They stay awake a little longer each morning and yesterday we tried tummy time...without much success!! Gage is going back to preschool a few days per week and Aubie is working a few days too. It's great to get back to a somewhat normal schedule! I've attached pictures from this weekend.

I have a doctors appointment tomorrow and the twins go for a check up Thursday. I hope everyone has a great week and we will update again soon.

Babies first check up

2009-01-19T17:40:00.002-06:00

We took all 3 kids for check ups today...can you say chaos??? Who knew getting 3 children clean, dressed, fed and in their carseats in a timely manner would be so crazy!!! But we made it to Dr. Mettry's office 5 minutes early and without any tears so I consider that a success.

Gage has grown 3 inches since May and has gained 2 pounds. He is a very healthy boy that is suffering from a case of allergies (making him cough and making Mom freak out!!)

Tate weighs 5 lbs 15 oz so he has surpassed his birth weight!! His circumcision is healing well and his jaundice is going down.

Tara weighs 5 lbs 7 oz. The doctor said that ideally babies will be back to their birth weight by 10 days old. They are 9 days old so they're doing great. Her jaundice is also getting better.

It's only been a week...

2009-01-18T16:02:00.003-06:00

The past week has been a whirlwind. I guess now that we've had time to think about all of the events, it's a little overwhelming! First, we're lucky that we went to the hospital when we did. My blood pressure was 170/106 and I had 4+ protein in my urine. I had fluid collecting on my lungs. We arrived at the hospital at 7:00 pm and the twins were born at 9:40 pm...so while I tend to downplay most health situations (nobody wants to be a hypochondriac) I was fortunate that we received care before things got out of hand.

Second, we're so blessed to have healthy babies. Yes they had issues and spent 5 days in the NICU. Yes they might have a few hurdles to overcome in the next few months but they're home! They're eating and breathing on their own and I'm able to hold them anytime I want!! That is such a miracle. It was so emotional to see them in the NICU with breathing machines, IV's, feeding tubes and monitors attached all over their little bodies. But we always had the reassurance that they would come home. Our biggest question was "when" they come home...there were some families that we met that had the horrible question of "if" their baby would come home.

And finally, we have been humbled by the outpouring of support and love from our family and community. We never had to worry about our 4-year-old feeling left out or abandoned while we were at the hospital because Mamaw and Papaw went the extra mile to make him feel special and involved in the process. We had lots of visitors everyday that truly express a desire to help in any way. We have been eating like kings thanks to our church!! It's honestly an amazing feeling to be surrounded by so much compassion.

As for the babies, they are eating, sleeping, pooping machines!! They're eating approx. 35 cc at each feeding which is every 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Tate is very much like Gage, very low key and laid back. Tara is starting to show her prissy side! She doesn't want it too hot or too cold. She doesn't want to be wet or swaddled to tight. Tate will cry when it's time to eat while Tara makes little noises all the time...they are the sweetest sounds ever!!

We're home and have pictures to prove it!

2009-01-16T13:03:00.002-06:00

We came home from the hospital yesterday. It was great to get everyone in the same place. I wanted to get the pictures posted for all to see. Gotta run - babies need fed. I'll try to have Jackie update later.

From NICU...for the last time

2009-01-14T20:35:00.004-06:00

This is Jackie...I'm finally ready to post again. Big thanks to Papa Aubie for all his updates. Actually he deserves a medal for all he's gone through. He's been taking care of me (and I'm admittedly very hormonal) and watching out for the twins and making arrangements for Gage. He's an amazing man and we're all lucky to have him in our lives!

Things change fast around the NICU. The twins are making amazing progress and we were discharged at 6:00 tonight with instructions to be back in the morning for follow up bilirubin (sp?) testing. Since it was late and we live 1 hour 45 minutes from the hospital they let us keep the twins in the on-call suite. So it's our first night with the babies! YAY! The test tomorrow are to monitor their jaundice. If the levels increase they will likely have photo therapy. If they decrease or stay the same they will likely have us return in a few days for more tests. Either way, we should be home, with all the kids, tomorrow!!!!

This has been a wild ride, to say the least. Things happened so quickly that some of the details seem hazy. And did I mention that I'm a hormonal mess?? It is so hard being away from Gage. We have felt so torn between staying with the twins or going home to Gage. So, I'm tired and very sore (did anyone ever tell you that the abdominal muscles are used in almost every movement???) and a little weepy. But very soon this will be in the past and will make a great story!!

Tuesday Update

2009-01-13T10:55:00.003-06:00

Jackie is getting dismissed this afternoon. We are going to go home after the afternoon feeding and spend the night with Gage. In the morning, we plan to pack up and move to an extended stay hotel near the hospital. Tate and Tara are doing good - up to 20cc per feeding. They have their feeding tubes out and are nursing bottles. Hopefully their IV's will be removed tonight. They are in the same bed sleeping next to each other for the first time. It's amazing how much more content they are next to each other. I will try to talk the nurses into letting me take more pictures to post on here. The nurses aren't very camera friendly in NICU. Hopefully, in 4 or 5 days we will be able to take them home and get the herd all together. Thanks for all the comments and support. - Aub

Monday morning update

2009-01-12T10:45:00.003-06:00

Jackie has walked a little bit this morning, but still has some pain. They are talking about dismissing her tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday. She slept pretty good through the night and is doing pretty good. I got to hold Tate for the first time today (Jackie held him for a minute yesterday), but neither of us have held Tara. She is still a little bit behind him, but is catching up quickly. The Dr. told me this morning that the babies were doing "better than expected". I tried to get the NICU nurse to give me a timeline for dismissal to no avail. They are currently eating 5cc (1 teaspoon) of formula per feeding and they must eat 45cc per feeding before they can be dismissed. They have removed the CPAP from both babies, but they still have feeding tubes and IV's. They also must be able to regulate body temperature, nurse from a bottle, and gain weight steadily before dismissal. We are checking into extended stay hotels just in case we need them. Gage is doing good with MaMaw and PaPaw and seems to be really excited about his siblings. We are fortunate to have such great friends and family to help us through this journey. Please keep the 5 five of us in your prayers. -Aub

Tara and Tate are here!

2009-01-11T18:27:00.004-06:00

Well, they are here and I am a proud Papa. Jackie's blood pressure was running high Sat. night so we decided to come to the Dr. As I am ordering dinner she called be and told me to hurry up because we were having babies in about 20 mins. Needless to say I ran to the car to grab the camera, ate dinner in an elevator, and arrived back at the room as they were wheeling her out for surgery. Tate (5 lbs 12 oz, 19 1/2 in) and Tara (5 lbs 8 oz, 17 3/4 in) were born at 9:40 p.m. on January 10, 2009. Jackie is still having some issues with her blood pressure, but it is getting better. Tate and Tara are both still in NICU. Tate will hopefully come out of NICU tomorrow and Tara should be right behind him. She is still on the CPAP (sp?) but may get it removed during the night tonight. Jackie got to see the babies for the first time just a few minutes ago and she even got to hold Tate! We continue to hope for the best. Prayers are appreciated and we will try to update often.

Babies next week!

2009-01-05T13:28:00.004-06:00

We're back from the doctor's appointments. My kidney study showed an increase in protein and acid BUT my blood pressure medicine is working...the highest it has gotten is 130/88!! I'm swollen (looks like somebody punched me in the eyes without the bruising!!) and my contractions have gotten stronger. So, considering all things, the doctor decided we should have the twins next week. WOW!! That seems really soon! We have an appointment next Monday and we will schedule the delivery then (assuming I can stay out of the hospital this week!!)

This is getting old...

2009-01-03T11:16:00.004-06:00

I have truly enjoyed this pregnancy. I love being pregnant and I'm a little sentimental about it being so close to the end...but running back and forth to L&D is starting to get on my nerves!

Yesterday my blood pressure was high. Like 150/100 while standing and 145/95 while laying down. After lunch I started feeling yucky so I called my doctor's office and they told me to go to the hospital. They ran some tests and started me on blood pressure medicine. We were allowed to come home (they released us at 9:00 last night) with instructions to start a 24-hour kidney study. I guess all of this blood pressure stuff can affect my kidney function so they want to check it out. We are going back to the hospital Sunday for the kidney study, a NST and more lab work. Then we have a doctors appointment Monday. My bedrest was restricted even more with instructions to only get up to use the restroom.

On a very happy note, today is Gage's birthday! He's very excited about his party this afternoon...it's amazing how happy a few balloons and cake will make kids!!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T12:22:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone had a great New Year's Day. Mine was uneventful...the family was asleep by 10:00 New Years Eve! I spent yesterday on the sofa, reading some of the new books I received for Christmas.

Aubie's best friend, Eric, and his wife welcomed their second child yesterday. Easton was born around 2:00 pm Thursday so Aubie spent the day with them. Aub said baby Easton is very cute with lots of hair and chubby legs!!

Gage spent Thursday with my parents. He fed the cows and played trains with Papaw...some of his favorite things!! He is playing with my mother-in-law, Carolyn, today. He was excited to spend time with her and he was hopeful she'd take him to his favorite restaurant, McDonald's (does that really count as a restaurant??) Gage's 4th birthday is tomorrow. I can't believe he is already 4 years-old...he'll start preschool in August!!! We're having a Thomas the Train party tomorrow afternoon. It should be fun!

We have another doctor's appointment Monday so we'll update then. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

34 week belly pic

2008-12-30T18:54:00.004-06:00

Here is the promised picture of my ever expanding belly! This pic was taken Christmas night at my mom's house. And yes, I wore sweatpants to Christmas dinner...it's the only thing that still fits!!

Another week...

2008-12-29T15:16:00.002-06:00

Our appts went very well this morning. My OB is out of the office this week so we met with the nurse, Nancy. While my blood pressure was high (135/98) there was no protein in my urine, which is a good thing...protein is a major indicator of pre-eclampsia. She did not mention steroids or any other change in regimen.

After we met with Nancy we went next door to the hospital for the NST. The babies looked fantastic. My contractions were bigger than last week, but the nurse said it was okay. We're schedule to do both again next Monday. The kiddos really benefit from each week their in the womb, so I'm very happy we've made it this far!

Burning up the road...

2008-12-26T17:01:00.003-06:00

Our NST this morning was ok. The babies looked great and my contractions were barely detectable. This time the nurse was very concerned about my blood pressure and swelling (my ankles have outgrown the "cankle" nickname!!!!) So we're going back Monday to meet with my OB and we'll have another NST. The nurse this morning mentioned steroid shots to help develop the babies lungs so that's something we'll discuss Monday.

Christmas was fantastic. Aubie's sister, brother-in-law and 3 kids spent Christmas morning with us. And Santa was very generous to all the kids!!!! Starting Christmas eve we visited Aubie's mom, then his dad came for Christmas breakfast. We had lunch at my grandma's house with all of my dad's family, Aubie and Gage went to Aunt Sue's to see his family (while I took a nap) and then we ended the night at my parents house. We're tired and it looks like Christmas exploded in our living room, but I wouldn't change a thing...it was a wonderful experience!

They didn't keep us!!!

2008-12-22T20:09:00.003-06:00

Our appointment this morning was uneventful...YAY!! Everything looked the same as yesterday, so we were given instructions to keep up our current regimen. We'll have another NST Friday morning...maybe I'll pass this one!!

I'd like to give Aubie credit for being the most fantastic husband through this entire ordeal. He has taken on all of my responsibilities on top of his own and hasn't complained once. He has actually been the "comforter" as I have my hormonal meltdowns. I'm a very lucky girl!!

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope Santa brings you lots of goodies!

Another trip to L&D

2008-12-21T19:14:00.003-06:00

Well, our Sunday wasn't as relaxing as we'd hoped...I've been feeling "off" (for lack of a better term) since Saturday around noon. I didn't sleep at all Saturday night and this morning I felt worse. So we decided to visit the hospital. I was having contractions every 3-4 minutes but most of them were not painful (uncomfortable but not painful). I was given a double oral dose of Brethine and a shot of Brethine (the same medicine I was given Wednesday) and it didn't even slow down the contractions. They started running tests. The contractions are not "progressing" me and the babies are handling them okay. The Ffn test was negative. So this is my new normal. They said that it's not uncommon for women with multiples to have a lot of preterm contractions. They don't really mean I'm in labor, but they do mean I'm on very strict bed rest.

I have another appointment tomorrow morning just to double check everything but for now...no babies and we don't expect babies for a few more weeks!!

We're back online!

2008-12-19T11:47:00.006-06:00

We finally have home internet again!!!

We have had a very crazy week. Monday I went to an OB appt. Everything checked out ok. My OB scheduled a NST (non-stress test) for Wednesday. A NST is basically where they hook me and the babies up to monitors to make sure everyone is ok. Aubie had meetings Monday night and Tuesday night so Gage and I wrapped presents (he picks out the prettiest bows!!)

Well, Aubie and I go to the NST on Wednesday and we expect to be at the hospital for 30 - 45 minutes then we'll pick up a couple last minute gifts and get back to work. The first thing our nurse said was "OH your contracting!" The contractions were not painful so I didn't think it was a big deal. Well, my OB disagreed and after a few tests it was determined that I had a bladder or urinary tract infection and that was probably the cause of the contractions. So, we spent the night in the hospital. I had 6 shots to stop the contractions, 3 bags of fluids and 3 bags of antibiotics. I was sent home Thursday morning with instructions to stay off my feet...I'm now on bedrest. Poor Aubie...he had another meeting Thursday night so he was trying to make arrangements for Gage and get all his ducks in a row!

I'll be at home for hopefully 3-4 weeks until these babies are finished "baking." Aubie's schedule will slow down for the holidays and everything will be great. Not exactly what we had planned, but I'm thankful we made it this far without many complications! Besides, this will probably be the last time for years that I'll be alone in a quiet house without being obligated to do 10000 chores!!!!!

Sorry!

2008-12-05T16:46:00.003-06:00

We're sorry we haven't been able to update lately. Our home internet is out and we are trying to locate a new provider. Jackie has had 2 appts. this past week. The ultrasound earlier this week showed that everyone is fine and the babies weigh about 4 pounds each. The boy has turned and is now breech. Looks like c-section for mama. I've been trying to get all of my final projects finished and stay ahead at work in case delivery comes earlier than expected. We should have about 5-6 more weeks. That's all folks! - Aub

Hello Mr. Turkey!

2008-11-24T20:09:00.002-06:00

My nurse called today with my glucose test results...everything was within normal range!! YAY!! I am very pleased about this for 2 reasons. #1 of course is the health of our twins. Gestational diabetes can cause all sorts of complications, so I'm very happy that we don't have to worry about harming the babies. #2 is that I can eat holiday meals!! I mean, this is the best time of year for food. Most years I'm watching my weight and I try not to over-indulge but this year...game on!!!

We had thanksgiving lunch at Gage's daycare today. It was very good food and it was cute to watch Gage interact with his friends. He's such a cute little guy (if I do say so myself!!) and I think he'll make a really great big brother.

3-hour glucose test

2008-11-22T08:35:00.003-06:00

You know, doctors are a little crazy. I mean, they ask big pregnant ladies to fast for 10-12 hours, then sit in a lab and get blood drawn for another 3 hours...that is a very long time with NO FOOD!!!!!! Luckily my mom went with me yesterday, so I had someone to keep me company. The test went well. After the first hour I didn't even feel sick, so hopefully that is a good sign! The lab was super busy so I won't have my results until Monday.

My sinus infection is much better. I've regained my appetite (anything that doesn't out run me gets eaten!!) and I've started monitoring my blood pressure. It is staying within the normal range so everything is going great!!!

We don't have much planned for the weekend. Just trying to get the house back in order so we can get out the Christmas chaos!!

So I'm not superwoman

2008-11-18T18:20:00.003-06:00

I really thought there was nothing to a "multiple pregnancy." I am still working full time, taking care of Gage, helping run errands, etc. I really thought I was just going to breeze through this pregnancy. But some times things creep up on you...like this silly head cold. Both Aubie and Gage had it. They were able to shake it in about 3 days. I've been fighting it for over a week and now I have a sinus infection. Not a big deal but my doctor started me on antibiotics to get it cleared up.

My weight went down and my blood pressure went up at this appointment. Not ideal for this stage of pregnancy but again, not a huge deal.

Then my nurse called this morning with my lab results. Seems I failed my gestational diabetes test and I'm anemic. So, it proves I'm not a superstar. I'm going to have minor complications just like everyone else. Shoot...guess I'll miss out on this gold star too!!!!!!

I will take a 3-hour gestational diabetes test either Friday or Tuesday, depending on my work schedule, to confirm (or hopefully rebuke) the results from yesterday's test. I won't get my "traveling papers" until I have retaken the test.

Side note...big pat on the back to Aubie for painting our nursery. It looks great and will soon be filled with sweet little baby things!! We'll update again soon.

We have a nursery

2008-11-17T21:03:00.004-06:00

Well, Jackie has been after me to get the nursery done for some time now but I kept putting it off. So, while she sleeps (9:00), I am posting pictures to prove the painting is finished. I have the best mother-in-law ever! Thanks to her we finished all of the painting on Sunday afternoon.

Jackie had a Dr. appt. today and everything looked good. He is going to allow her to travel to TX for Thanksgiving with the Jacksons. She also had her gestational diabetes test and we should know the results in a day or two.

That's all for now,

Aub

Another week...still no nursery!!

2008-11-14T17:13:00.002-06:00

This was not a productive week in terms of nursery prep. We're still 1/2 painted. We still haven't purchased another crib. We still haven't sorted or washed any of the baby clothes. I'm starting to panic!! We have been battling colds this week, so that has been a barrier, but we really need to get this thing finished. I mean, realistically the babies could be here in 8 weeks...OMG 8 WEEKS!!!

So, since I'm in total freak-out mode, I'm really pushing (aka nagging) so we can get everything completed and I can relax! Hopefully...no, no...we WILL have pictures to post very soon!!

I have a doctor's appointment Monday morning so I will post afterwards. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

it's cold season

2008-11-10T16:50:00.003-06:00

The first sickness of the season has hit the Keesee home. We all have sore throats and Gage has a nasty cough with fever.

It was so cute...we were trying to assess what hurt (a fun activity with a 3 year old!) and I asked him if he could hear a bell or whistle in his ears. He paused for a moment and said "it sounds like the bell is broken." Aubie asked what he meant and he said "well it's cracking and popping!" So the boys are taking medicine and we're hoping it will be a short-lived and minor cold. Being preggo, I just have to be tough and believe that my horse-pill prenatal vitamins will keep me from coming down with anything too serious!

2008-11-08T10:22:00.004-06:00

Well, I'm almost officially an "adult." My 30th birthday is on Monday. While I've been trying to downplay this event my family surprised me last night with a wonderful party!! It was a really great evening and I am so thankful to have such a loving family. It was odd to focus on "Jackie." We've been so focused on the twins that sometimes we forget that I'm still here! So, a big thank you to everyone for the party...it was truly a surprise and I appreciate it a lot.

1st trip to L&D!

2008-11-03T20:35:00.003-06:00

We've had a very exciting week. Let's start at the beginning...Aubie was gone Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, he came home Wednesday night then left again Thursday morning. I'm familiar with Extension so this was a pretty normal schedule...except when your 26 weeks pregnant with twins and you have a 3 year old and it's Halloween week!! Gage and I had lots of activities (carnivals, trick-or-treating, etc) so we were very busy the entire week. Then on Saturday we went to OKC for an early birthday treat. Catey (who is 30 weeks preggo with a son) took me for a maternity massage and lunch!!! It was my first massage and I'm officially addicted! After we returned to Catey's house, Eric and Aubie left for the football game. That's when I started feeling weird. I drank a gallon of water and tried to ignore it...thinking I was paranoid.

When the boys returned from the game I was sure something was wrong so I called the nurse and she said we should go to the hospital to get checked. Upon arrival it was determined that I was having very mild contractions and my blood pressure was too high so we were invited to spend the night!! I was given some meds for the contractions and luckily it worked with the first dose (I'd like to avoid as many needles as I can!!) We were released around 8 a.m. Sunday with instructions to take meds every 6 hours and to REST (a very hard thing for me to do!!)

After we were released we rushed to Eric and Catey's house to pick up Gage. Then we ran to a pharmacy to get my Rx and made it home in time to shower and change clothes before our baby shower (which was absolutely adorable! My hostesses did a great job and all of the guests were very generous!)

I went back to the doctor this morning for a follow up and everything is still calm. I'm to continue my meds every 6 hours until further notice and while he didn't give me specific restrictions, it was mentioned that while I'm allowed to work full time, I need to really take it easy at home. Whatever it takes to grow healthy babies!

Girl's bedding

2008-10-21T19:55:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's appointment went very well. I have gained another 3 pounds (for a grand total of 16) and my blood pressure was 123/75...so everything is checking out great! The doctor did a Ffn swab to help detect preterm labor, a practice I can expect at every visit from now on. And NO RESTRICTIONS for at least 2 more weeks!! YAY!! My next appointment is November 3rd.

My mom went with me to the appointment. Before we went to the doctor, we did a little shopping! We found the cutest bedding for my baby girl! We're using Gage's bedding for our baby boy. It's Kidsline Barnyard...very cute with lt blue, green and red. We found a ladybug and dragonfly set from Kidsline with the same green and red along with pink! We're preparing to paint the nursery so hopefully I can post pictures next week!

24 weeks & all is well

2008-10-17T17:00:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to get a jumpstart on "baby blogging" since I'm sure this will be the easiest way to keep everyone posted once we get closer to D-day.

The twins and I are doing ok. Feeling tired but overall we're doing really great. I'm feeling a lot of movement which is so cool! Except my sweet baby girl has her legs jammed under my right rib cage and she can really get my attention!! My next appointment is Monday at 3:30 so I will update then!