Too bad the boys don't like the water...

While we are still compiling pictures from the birthday party extravaganza, we thought we'd share a bit about what else Isaac and Eli have been up to. This past weekend, we decided that it would be a good time to put them in their swimming pool their nanny, Jaime, brought over for them. You know, since they hate the water and all  :P

In case you can't tell, that's a shriek of de-light! 

Um, buddy Eli, sit down please... (repeat, ad nauseum)

And Sir Isaac will splash until there is not a drop of water left in the pool! 

I can see a lot more pool time in these little guys' future!!! 

 

A Special Thank You

So, yesterday I happened to mention all of our friends and family who have helped us throughout the past year, but I really just felt like I needed to single someone out.

My mom.

My mom watched the boys two days a week for almost the entire year before being put on the 90 day DL (all you baseball fans will understand).  She was amazing.  She worked with the boys and loved on them everyday she was here.  She came through for us in the toughest of times, and for that, Kristi and I will never be able to show her the proper gratitude. At times I think I kind of took it for granted, but as I look back upon this past year, her dedication to helping us make it through the year was very, very special.  And so, mom, I just wanted to say thank you from a grateful, appreciative, and inspired son.

And dad, you were awesome too...but come on, we all know who runs the show on your side of the tracks.

And, even though I am terrible at it, here is my ode to my mom (I write odes at school that are really quite funny, but this is an attempt at seriousness, half hearted attempt, but attempt nonetheless)

"An Ode to Mom"

You started looking after the boys early, heck, Eli was still under 4 pounds
You nurtured them, loved them, and helped them back to sleep after scary sounds
You fed them, changed them, and made them giggle
They responded with laughs, cries, and little booty wiggles
Even through pees, poos, and vomit, you kept coming back
The boys have blossomed this past year cause you just have knack
For doing what is best, we never worry, even when they needed teethers
Quick shout out to Jamie, we never worry while you are here either
But really, mom, you are simply the best and I can't thank you enough
I am sure I am leaving things out, I am not good at this serious stuff
I hope you feel better soon, and the doctor gives you the all clear
Cause it will allow me to kick back for some nights with an ice cold beer.

:)
Seriously, thank you mom.  I love you.

The Boys Turn 1!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISAAC AND ELIAS!  Today, May 14th, 2011 the twins turn 1.  That is a very tough sentence to even write.  Although it may sound cliche, it really does seem like just yesterday we were making trips back and forth between Research Medical Center, Children's Mercy Hospital and our home.  The past year has been a whirlwind of events but we wouldn't trade it for the world.  So, what have we learned?  Well, here is a short list:
- More medical jargon that we ever cared to know
- The exact whereabouts of almost every department of CMH
- That the moment you put a clean diaper on a baby, they pee.
- That getting home from work is just about the funnest thing in the day (cause you get smiles!!!!)
- We learned that diapers come in varying degrees of yuck.
- That Eli can projectile vomit well over 3 feet.  Hey, if it is going to be disgusting, might as well be disgustingly good.
- That Kristi and I make a darn good team
- That we couldn't have made it through this year without all of the support of our friends and family
- Echo the above statement for Jamie
- That everyday the boys teach us something new

Isaac and Eli,

You are our greatest blessing, our biggest love, and our pride and joy.  You make us smile, laugh, cry, and sometimes yell (but softly!).  You are curious, insightful, ornery, stubborn, and you both do a great job of helping one another.  Just remember, mommy and daddy will be here for you whenever you need us, in the good times and the bad, during your highs and during your lows.  You are OUR boys, and we love you more than you will probably ever know.  As you get older, stick together, protect one another, and have fun.  We give you permission to get into mischief (only a little please!).  We can't wait to see what year two brings.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy


 

Reminiscing...

A year ago (I know, I know, we've had many of these posts about what was going on 'a year ago' from different dates in our journey to meeting our sweet little guys, but humor me for another one, because that 'year' is coming to a close this weekend!).

It would be a year ago today (read here), that I went back to see Dr. S and would be told that I would be unexpectedly rehospitalized prior to the boys birthday which was scheduled to take place on May 14th. Ryan and I had planned on being rebels, going out to eat for the last time before we met Isaac and Eli - against the rules of bedrest. Our plans changed when Dr. S saw that I was having some complications that needed to be monitored over the next couple of days before the little guys would be born. Hospital food it was! We were reminded that Ryan and I were not in control of the situation. We couldn't make our own plans, we had to wait for them to be made for us and revealed to us. God really showed us that he was watching over all 4 of us.

Over this past Mothers Day weekend, I've really started to let myself rehash all of my thoughts, emotions and feelings that I had during this same time last year. I remember feeling so anxious about their arrival, and what would be happening immediately after they were born. I also was looking forward to this year - what would my first Mothers Day feel like, having two little guys giving me smiles and grins (and one big guy giving me a big hug). It was such a special day, having breakfast with all 3 of my guys - Ryan had made us pancakes and the boys had their traditional oatmeal and fruit mixture. Ryan and I built a retaining wall (my request :) ) during naptimes, and the rest of the time was spent playing, with a quick visit to go see Grandma and Grandpa Murdock.

I am still remembering all of the anxiousness that I felt heading into Friday, May 14, 2010. I also remember all of the calmness that was felt after Ryan and I would pray repeatedly about the boys and how everything would go. We have truly been blessed over the last year with favorable outcomes of all diagnoses so far. We have both of our boys here with us today, something that we were definitely unsure of as events unraveled on their birthday last year. I marvel at them everyday, watching them develop - waving, talking (mama, dada, duck... so far), looking at their little teeth and their hair (as Eli is sporting an organically grown mohawk and Isaac's hair often resembles Einstein), listening to them 'talk' to each other, watching them help each other get into mischief, and on and on. I never in a million years thought I'd be this blessed, to be married to such a great husband (and the best daddy imaginable to the duo), and to have such wonderful delightful little boys. 

Stay tuned, as I am sure there will be more reminiscing here in a few days (and maybe pictures!).