HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well I couldn't go any longer without making a post. I just got done telling Randi that I would post something tomorrow but, oh well.

Randi is doing incredible. I am so proud of what she did Monday and now she is reoovering so well. The girls are amazing too. We have come to terms about them being in NICU and really appreciate everything that the nurses and doctors have done for our ladies. Addison has a touch of bilirubin (Jaundice) so she has looked like a glow worm the past few times we have been up to see them. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, they stick this green lighted pad behind her to help with this. It looks like one of those heat pads you would stick to your back, but lit up green. Aubrey is amazing. She has lost a few ounces but other than that she is doing well. When Randi and I went up to visit them at 8:00 pm they were both off of their IV's and we got to feed them both bottles. They are getting a new kind of formula now as well so things are looking great!

The moment of the day had to have been Randi changing Addison's diaper. She was wiping her little hiney and she apparently felt comfortable enough to poop. Well her poop isn't solid so it got Randi pretty good. The best part is. I HAVE IT ON VIDEO! Man, this Father thing is great! I'm sure that I'll get my turn with getting something on me. Tick tick tick.

Well Randi and I are relaxing comfortably in our suite waiting for the 11:30 visitation. We have decided to ring in the new year in the best place possible in the rocking chairs next to our baby girls' crib.

Thank you to everyone again for all of your prayers, warm wishes, gifts, and flowers. St. Vincent's is amazing too and we plan to thank their staff in one way or another.

Have I told you how much we love being parents? This is wonderful. Looking into a childs eyes is amazing, but when it's your own, it's a totally different world.

ALL of OUR love...

Ricky, Randi, Addison and Aubrey

PS. I am so sorry for the spelling errors in my last post. I wasn't all there. Thanks to Mr. Ambien, we had a wonderful nights sleep last night.

Happy New Year!!!

Addison and Aubrey

We had a wonderful day with our two girls. Randi and I decided to send them to the nursery last night so that we could get some much needed rest. At about 2:00 in the morning our nurse came in and told us that the girls blood sugars were low and they were going to have to go to the NICU. This was not welcome news at 2:00 in the morning. I was a little mad, sad, scared, you name it we felt it. The nurse brough Aubrey in and we said our goodbye for the night. I walked with the nurse and Bree and saw were the girls would be kept. I walked back to the room and Addison was brought in. I had the opportunity to walk with them to the NICU but I decided to stay with Randi and try to get some rest.

We were able to go to the NICU this morning and see them for a little while. Randi was in a wheelchair so it was a little difficult for her to get too close. Both girls' blood sugars are doing much better. Aubtey is doing really well but Addison's white blood cells count is elevated which could mean that her little body is fighting off some kind of an infection. Dr. Christine came in this morning and told us that this could be just a side effect from the delivery and all of the craziness that came with the whole event.

Unfortunately the girls are going to be on a very strict visiting schedule. Randi and I have the best visting hosur and they are still limited. Grandparents and immediate family are the only others that they are allowing in the NICU. Even then it's three people max at all times. I think that makes it the most difficult. We really want to hold our little ladies and kiss their faces until our lips tire. Not having them in our room and hearing their little cries and coos is hard. Hopefully though they will be the little champs that they are and surprise us with an early departure. If not, we will know that they are in the best hands possible.

Please keep our babies in your prayers. We appreciate all the messages that we have received and we will try our best to keep you informed of our progress.

All of our love.

Blog Daddy T and his ladies.

The Girls Have Arrived

Here are a few pictures for now. I will write a blog later on. Addison, Aubrey, and Momma are all doing well. Addison came out at 9:01 weighing 5 lbs 13 oz measuring 18.5 inches. Her little Sister came out at 9:02 weighing 5 lbs 1 oz measuring 18 inches. Randi's Uterus had a difficult time hardening. This caused Randi to stay "open" a little longer than expected. Everything is good now though. So here are the pictures and like I said, I will write more later... TOO TIRED... Thank you again for all of the prayers and phone calls. Much love to all...

Ricky, Randi, Addison and Aubrey

"It's beginning to look a lot like delivery day everywhere we look..."

So Randi scared the poop out of this woman and it was some of the funniest stuff! We were getting off of the elevator at the hospital and this woman wasn't paying any attention while she was reading something on the wall. She heard the "ding" of the elevator and she almost walked right into Randi. She noticed her at the last second and gasped and was like "OH MY GOSH! I AM SO SORRY I WASN'T EVEN PAYING ATTENTION!" Her reaction was just priceless. It's times like that you wish the video camera was running so you could watch it over and over. She had to have pooped herself. SO...

Randi went back while I occupied myself with another of the Alex Cross series. The waiting area was extremely loud and busy today. There was a little girl about 7 or 8 sitting across from me with her Grandmother. Her Mom and Dad came out with a bag that the ultrasound tech gives you when you're so many weeks. The little girl asked her Mom if it was a barf bag and I about fell out of my chair. Her Mom must be visiting the porcelain Gods quite a bit. I am so glad that Randi didn't have many of those episodes. Randi finally came from behind the door and we went back to the other waiting room until we were called by the ultrasound tech. We got the young twin girl again and she was sweet as always. She was to only measure the girls fluids today, but she tried one last time to get a 4D of Aubrey. No such luck. We'll just have to wait until Monday to see what she looks like. Shucks...

We saw Dr. Davis and she came in and said her hello and asked how we were. Randi told her that we were doing well and that we were delivering on Monday so we were excited. Randi then told her that she was actually the second Doctor that was going to be in on the Cesarean and Dr. Davis wasn't aware that we were one of her three for that day. THREE! THREE C-Sections scheduled! Babies babies babies... Randi had a few examinations and one found that she is a finger tip dilated. I asked the Dr. to ease Randi's mind about the c-section as she is still a little freaked out by it. She explained that it isn't a rush job and it's not an emergency and that they do it all the time. She said a few more things and it seemed to help maybe for a few minutes.

We went down to Labor and Delivery and had our NST. Aubrey was acting up a little bit but both girls did well. We were then on our way to battle 280.

On a sad note, Randi's Poppy passed away today in Ft. Worth. He was 96 years old and had been battling Alzeihmers for quite some time. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years ago. Hopefully he is with his Son (Randi's Dad Dave) now and they are up there smiling down upon us. Another Guardian Angel to watch over us and our little ladies come Monday.

We hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday! Merry Christmas!

Much Love,
Blog Daddy T

10 Days To Go

Last night before we hit the bed, Randi said to me "Can you believe after tomorrow we'll be in single digits until the girls get here?" No. I can not. Ten days from today, Randi and I will be staring into Addison and Aubrey's eyes. It seems like a dream, none of it seems real. I was thinking yesterday while we were driving to the hospital about times in the past where I was so excited that I never thought that an event would arrive. Like when I was little, Christmas seemed to take forever to come around, and then it was there and gone. High school graduation, our Wedding day, signing papers to buy our home, a new car, so on and so on. This one is huge. 10 days seem like an eternity but before we know it, they will be here. It reminds me of the country song, "Let them be little". I hope to take in every single moment and I know Randi feels the same way.

We had an NST yesterday and everything looked good. We were put in my not so favorite room, the recovery room and we were fortunate enough to have a woman who was in labor next to us. Not only was she in labor but they couldn't get her IV started. FOUR TIMES they tried to stick this woman. We heard every ooch and ouch, then we had the pleasure of hearing her vomit NUMEROUS times. At first I didn't know what the splashing sound was and asked Randi if her water had broke? Did you know that only like 10% of women actually have their water break? If this was the woman's water breaking, Randi and I would have needed Noah to give us a lift. She said that she hadn't eaten since 10 o'clock, but she sure had enough in her stomach to fill a wastebasket. OK, enough right? Dr. Christine came down to talk to Randi and I one last time. She is on vacation all next week so we won't see her again until D-DAY (delivery day). Randi had a few simple questions then we were on our way.

Today is Christy's COLLEGE GRADUATION! I can not believe my little Sister is graduating from Auburn today. We are all so proud of her and I can't wait to see her. Congratulations Christy!

We have an appointment Monday afternoon with Dr. Davis. We will then have another NST on Friday and then get ready for Monday morning. Whew... What an adventure! I think that I may keep this blog going even after the girls arrive. It's nice to connect with family and friends who all live too far away.

I will try to post again after Monday's appointment, but if for some reason I don't, we hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas!

All our love.

Blog Daddy T.

One goal reached. Many, many more to go!

34 Weeks

We had an appointment this afternoon at 1:45. The waiting room was quite busy! Seems as if people are snuggling up a bit too close to keep warm this Winter! It's funny though because I hear so many people complaining about how cold it is and they're all bundled up and it's been averaging 50's! I read my book until Randi's little face came from behind the door. We were headed straight back to an examining room. I took my seat in the corner and we chit chatted for a bit. Dr. Christine came in and asked how everyone was doing and we didn't have many complaints except for lack of sleep, I know get used to it, and back pain. She prescribed Randi some Ambien to take occasionally to help her rest. She measured Randi's belly and did an exam to see if she was dilated and she wasn't. We were then sent into have an ultrasound to measure the fluids around the babies. While we were waiting we heard the technician that we didn't want call someone else in, so we got excited to have someone else. Unfortunately, this tech was a fill in and she was a bit slower than the others. We asked her if she were able to, to try to get a picture of Baby B. She tried a few different angles and came to the conclusion that she was facing Randi's back and as always, was going to be difficult with us. No luck. I then told her that we wouldn't be disappointed if she could tell us how much they weighed this week. No such luck there either.

We were dismissed from the ultrasound room and went over to Dr. Christine's charting area and took a seat. While we were over there I spotted a scale. I had weighed myself at home about a week ago and saw that I had lost about 10 lbs during our pregnancy. This scale was a little more honest. I have actually GAINED those 10 lbs as Randi and I initially expected. Oh well, I figure I'll shed it in about a year while chasing two one year old baby girls all over the place. Dr. Christine took a look at the ultrasounds and everything seemed up to par. She told us to make an appointment for Monday to see one of her partners because she would be on vacation. So this was the last time that we would see Dr. Christine in her office before we saw her on the 29th. We made an appointment to see Dr. Davis next Monday. She is the Doctor that we saw who diagnosed Randi's Cholestasis.

We headed down to do the NST. We were put in a triage room and Randi and the girls were quickly hooked up to the monitors by Nurse Amy whom we have had before. She remembered that one of our girls wasn't very cooperative. =) Already making a name for herself! Randi was having a few contractions here and there but Dr. Christine said that they were nothing to worry about since she wasn't dilated any. Three hours later we were on our way to fight 280 traffic! Woo Hoo!

We have an appointment for another NST on Thursday. Dr. Christine said that she would peek in on us to see if we had any questions or to see if we would need anything as she will be on vacation next week. I'll let you know how we do.

Less than two weeks and we will be bringing these little girls into this world. Man, I can't believe it's right around the corner. Randi is a little scared of being cut open but other than that we are looking forward to the 29th. Christmas has kind of taken a back seat this year. We didn't really do a lot of decorating and we didn't put up a tree. This is the first time that we haven't had a tree in the house since we've lived together. It's all good though because we are DONE with the nursery! Donna came over last week and we finished hanging the curtains. Randi and I painted and hung their names as well as bought a new mirror to go in there. I am going to try to post pictures over to the right.

Last night we went to a Hallmark store to pick up some cards for a few events that are coming up. The Woman behind the counter asked us when our baby was due and Randi responded with "there's actually two in there" and we told her how we're delivering early because there are twins. She told us that God knows who to give twins to. I think that is the nicest, sweetest thing that anyone has told us during our pregnancy. As always THANK YOU to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. They are apparently being answered because Randi and our little ladies are doing wonderful. 34 weeks is a great length for a multiple pregnancy these days. We are blessed and thankful.

Much Love To All.

Blog Daddy T.

"I just ate a blueberry and I'm STUFFED!"

Our scheduled appointment was today at 11:15. Randi and I made it there around 11:00 and I took my position in a chair with Dr. Alex Cross. Randi appeared and we went back to the sonogram waiting area. Randi was super hyper this morning, I don't know if she was excited, or nervous, or just in one of her "moods". Who knows, pregnancy is CRAZY! =) I lent an ear until we were called back.

The girls are growing and growing and growing. Baby A weighed in at 4 lbs. 12 oz. and Baby B weighed in at 4 lbs 8 oz. The technician that we had today was the one that needed help working the machine earlier in our pregnancy. She was good today. She tried her hardest to get Baby B (Aubrey) on the 4D, but of course, she wasn't havin it. Aubrey even went as far as putting her fist in front of her face. Oooo that girl is gonna be somethin else!

Dr. Christine came in and gave Randi an exam and said that she is not dilated. She still wanted us to go down to Labor and Delivery and have the NST today. She said that she is going to set us up to come in on December 29th and Randi would deliver then! Tax break dance... Tax break dance... Woot woot!

We went down to Labor and Delivery and had a little wait before we went into a room. We were waiting with another expectant Mom and Randi and her talked a little. This was to be her second and she had diabetes so she was going to be monitored. She is pregnant with a boy and has a 3 year old girl at home. Funny enough she will deliver on the 29th as well but will be 39 weeks pregnant.

The NST went well with the exception of Randi having some contractions. Dr. Christine came in and gave Randi a prescription and told her that she needed to take it easy. We have another NST scheduled for Thursday at 2:00, then another appointment for Monday afternoon.

21 more days until we get to hold our little ladies. Life will never be the same and I can't wait!

Randi is feeling pregnant these days. Her back hurts her daily and she is pretty uncomfortable during the night. She is a trooper though and is taking it all in stride. I appreciate her so much. Our girls are doing amazing and it's all because of the tender loving care that Randi has given them over the past few months.

Again, thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. We all really appreciate them and they seem to be working wonders!

Much Love.

Blog Daddy T.

PS. The two pictures above are both of Baby A. There aren't any 4D of Baby B.

Let's play ketchup. Catch Up...

"Just another manic Monday. Oh o oh. Wish it were a Sunday. Oh o oh. Cause that's my fun day." Ah, but we had an appointment at 11:15 to see Dr. Christine. Everything sounds like Dr. Seuss to me any more. 11:15... Christine... Get it? I read to the girls "Oh Baby, The Places You'll Go a Book To Be Read In Utero" and I find myself rhyming at the oddest moments and it will just make me laugh. Whom ever I am speaking with at that moment probably wonders "what the heck is wrong with this guy?" But if they haven't already asked them self that question, then what the heck is wrong with them!?

I left work to pick Randi up from home and we were on our way. We rode the elevator with two women one of which, Randi later found out, is pregnant with twin girls. I waited with my own book in tow (Thank you Uncle Randy for the new James Patterson, Alex Cross novel.) while Randi went back to have her blood drawn. When she was done she came and got me and we headed to the waiting room to be called to have a sonogram. We didn't get our favorite technician this time. In fact, Randi asked her if she could tell us how much the Girls weighed and she told her "Not this time". She didn't say it rude, but it came across that way, maybe because the other tech is so outgoing. Anyway... They are getting BIG. I have probably been saying that for weeks now, but they're not getting any smaller. I wonder if one or both of them will be claustrophobic? I know I sure as heck would be if I were couped up in Randi's tiny belly for nine, er eight months! So the fluid measurements turned out fine. After the sonogram we were off to see the Doctor. She shuffled through some paperwork and measured Randi's belly before sending us down to have an NST (Non Stress Test). She said that she would call with the Bile Salts (Cholestasis) results Wednesday. All good thus far.

Once down in Labor and Delivery, we were put into the Triage room. This is the "tweener room". It's not the crappy recovery room that I don't like, it's closer to the roomy birthing suite but not quite. It has a jack and jill bathroom! The nurse strapped up Randi and my little ladies and the monitoring began. AS ALWAYS, Baby A registered in no time and Baby B wouldn't cooperate. We were in there for about an hour and a half or so and we were dismissed. We scheduled an appointment for Thursday at noon.

The phone call came today from Dr. Christine's nurse. Randi's Bile Salt levels have returned to ZERO! AWESOME NEWS! Our NST today was canceled. I am now wondering if we'll do those again? Randi had a little itching fit Tuesday night but nothing too crazy. The nurse told her to stay on the meds that were prescribed and it should help. So... Things are looking great! Momma is doing well and averaging three pants sizes a day. Ok maybe not three, only because her pants are elastic! =)

We are so excited to meet our girls. Our house has come together quite nicely over the past few weeks thanks to Nonna Donna, Mom Mom and Pop Pop. Henry reorganized a thing or two here and there as well. Nesting needs to happen like twice a year. We have gotten so much done, it's kinda nice!

Our next appointment is scheduled for Monday December 8th at 11:15 with Dr. Christine. Sorry had to end with a rhyme. Until then.

Much Love

Papa Seuss

Slacker... But I'm busy I promise!

As I'm sure you can imagine, life has gotten a bit hectic as of late. I have a draft waiting for me to finish from last weeks appointment on Friday as well as this past Monday's. We have another NST (non stress test) today at noon and I'm thinking about taking my laptop with me to catch up. Please know that Momma and Baby Girls are well. Very well in fact. Randi's bile salt levels have not increased that we are aware of. Therefore mark your calendars for December 29th as that's the day that Dr. Christine said that she would deliver. All of your thoughts and prayers seem to be working so please keep them coming.

All of our love.

Blog Daddy T

Apparently I'm slacking

But what's new, right?

Thanksgiving... That was a long day. Randi and I went over to my Parent's house to have Thanksgiving Day breakfast. Luckily Randi is pregnant and has to use the restroom quite a bit. As we were all doing our thing all of a sudden we hear Randi screaming "FIRE! FIRE!". I ran to see what the heck she was screaming about and sure enough, the powder room was on fire. A lit candle had set a fake flower arrangement ablaze. We were all very thankful that Randi had to use it when she did or there may not have been much of a house left. There wasn't too much damage done, luckily. If you're wondering what to get my Parents for Christmas, Fire Extinguishers should top their lists this year.

After we ate breakfast and hung out for a little while we went over to Randi's Mom's to eat with Paw Paw, Uncle Randy, Uncle Henry, and Donna. We waited, and we waited. Randi made sure to let everyone know that she was waiting to eat. Finally at 8:30, yes... 8:30! We ate.

Needless to say we weren't busting down any doors on Black Friday. We have an appointment for the Girls to have a stress test. I asked Randi if my Sister Christy could come along as she was home from Auburn. Christy had yet to feel either of the girls kick, and I wanted her to be a part. We got to the hospital and they put us back in the recovery room. We have been there twice now and it's not my favorite. The other rooms are a little more private and this one has a curtain that splits two beds. While Randi and the girls were being monitored Christy got to see the Girls move and how it makes Randi's belly move. We were only there for about an hour before we were let go. The Girls passed with flying colors.

After the hospital we went to return something to Baby's R Us. I knew it wouldn't be a quick visit with Aunt Christy there! We walked around and looked some stuff until it was time for lunch. We met up with Nonna Donna at Chili's and filled our faces. Run run run... Some how we ended up at Lowe's looking for a "decrotive hook" to hang some picture frames in the nursery with. We ended up leaving with no hook, but Randi's push gift of a washer and dryer! She was happy and that's all that mattered.

We went to Phillip and Jens to watch the Iron Bowl that Saturday and what a game it was not! Alabama wiped their a.... with us. It was an embarassing day to be a Tiger, but there's always next year right? We did get to spend the day with Baby Cate as well as Carter, Chris and Allison Carpenters one year old. It was nice, mainly because there weren't any Bammers there! =)

We have another appointment on Monday at 11:15. Until then...

Much Love

Blog Daddy T.

Week 31 and counting...

Over the weekend Randi began to itch again. She had stopped taking her medication after our appointment on Thursday. Sunday the itching returned bad enough for Randi to start herself back on the meds. We didn't sleep too well that night and it got so bad Randi went out to the living room to watch television and try to get her mind off of it.

Our appointment was at 2:15 today. It was rainy and just blah outside. I could have spent the day napping off and on. We arrived at the Doctors office and Randi went back to do her duties and I found a seat with a Southern Living magazine or something of the like. Not very long after I sat down, Randi appeared from behind the door. We went and took our seats in the other waiting room and waited to be called back by the Ultrasound technician. When we were called I think that we were both excited because this woman does a great job. She takes her time and she shows us the 4D pictures if they are possible. Randi didn't drink any caffeine before our appointment today and you could tell. Our girls were calm, calmer than they have ever been. The Technician was having a hard time with a lot of the measurements and it doesn't help that they are getting so big now. It's good that they're getting big but it makes it harder to get good pictures. I'm ok with that because soon enough we'll be taking REAL pictures of them! Both babies are growing and are healthy. Baby A is weighing in at 3 lbs 12 oz and B is weighing in at 3 lbs 7 oz. That's over 7 lbs of baby! We were able to get two 4D shots of Baby A and Baby B was her usual self and was not cooperating.

After we took a few snaps of the girls it was in to see Dr. Christine. Before she came in Randi went back to be weighed and she has gained 2 whole pounds since our last appointment. This was good news because some how Randi has managed some weeks to not gain any. The Doctor came in and measured Randi's belly. She told us that the girls looked good and that her blood work came back. The Cholestasis levels have remained at the level 18 that showed on the initial test. I then asked since that was the case would we still deliver at 34 weeks and was there a certain day that she liked to deliver? The next words that came out of her mouth was like music to our ears. She said "If the levels continue to stay at 18 I'd like to take the girls at 36 weeks." WOO HOO!!! She said that this would most likely keep them out of the NICU. This made Randi and I both very happy. We would do what we needed to do if they came at 34 weeks but 36 would be awesome! So having that said 36 weeks means that we would deliver on December 29th. TAX BREAK!

We then went down to Labor and Delivery and had the non stress test. We were put in a recovery room which is shared by another patient. We had been so spoiled up to this point with having our own little private room. The woman next to us sounded as if she was having a pretty rough pregnancy as we could hear just about everything that was going on through the sheer divider curtain.

Our next appointment is scheduled for Friday but it's just a non stress test. We will then go back Monday at 11:15 to see Dr. Christine. Randi and the girls are really looking forward to eating this Thursday. She's been a bit disappointed because she heard that there wasn't going to be any sweet potatoes or macaroni and cheese but I think she talked someone into making them. Spoiled brats already... Three years ago on Thanksgiving I asked Randi to be my Wife. Who would have thought that we would be pregnant with not one, but two little girls three years later. Life is good.

Randi wanted to make sure that I thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers that they have given us. We really do appreciate it. I am very thankful that our appointment this week went 10 times better than the one last week. I should get used to this emmotional roller coaster though! I am soon going to be out numbered 4 to 1 with girls in the house. I counted the dog for effect...

Much Love and Happy Holidays!

Blog Daddy T.

PS. If you're able to make out Baby A's little face in the 4D above, that "hole" in her head isn't really a HOLE IN HER HEAD! It's amniotic fluid that is surrounding her and makes it difficult to get a good clean shot.

Testing... Testing...

The alarm clock went off at 6:15 this morning. We had an appointment at 8:00. Randi had a burning sensation going on in her belly. After a bit of traffic we finally got to the hospital. I pulled up to get my ticket to the garage and pulled through. As soon as we get in this lady in her bug wanted to wait for a truck to pull out of a spot. Randi wasn't having it. I told her that she could go ahead and get out and go up while I parked. She didn't hesitate. Her comfort level has completely changed this week. I finally found a spot and went in. Took my seat in the waiting room and found a Power Boat magazine that I've read three times already. Dr. Christine's nurse came through the door and called me back. She walked me right to the examining room that Randi was in. Randi was up on the table and had tears in her eyes from the discomfort. Dr. Christine eventually came in and asked Randi how she was feeling. Randi explained her discomfort and Dr. Christine couldn't pin point what may have been causing it. She sent Randi back to have some blood drawn and then we were headed up to have our non stress test.

Randi and I stopped at Starbucks on our way to Labor and Delivery. She wanted to get a little something in her stomach as she was "fasting" for the blood work. Once upstairs we finally found our room and got settled in. Randi put on the gown and got comfortable. The nurse came in and strapped the monitors to Randi's belly. Our girls were pretty active. Their heartbeats were registering well and Randi seemed to be registering a few contractions. Randi's discomfort continued throughout the testing. Dr. Christine surprised us by coming through the door of our room. Right then, I think we both got worried. Dr. Christine examined Randi and concluded that she was not dialated and her cervix was still closed. She had the nurse give Randi a shot that would ease the contractions if in fact that's what she was having. As I sat over in the chair, I felt helpless. The nurse warned Randi that the shot would make her jittery and it sure did! Randi got up and went to the restroom right after receiving it and when she returned she was already shivering. We stayed for about another hour and a half while all of my girls were monitored. Randi did eventually roll over onto her side and the discomfort seemed to ease a bit. The nurse came back in and told us that we were clear to go. I was beginning to think that we were going to be spending the night. We were told to pick up some Prilosec because the "contractions" may have just been acid reflux.

So we're home. Randi is in the bed and her Mom is stopping by the store to get her some Prilosec. My Mom is on her way after lunch to help us out as well.

Until Monday. We have an Ultrasound scheduled to check the growth of the girls. We're hoping for well over 3 lbs each. We'll see! Until then...

Blog Daddy T.

The Results Are In.

Our Doctor appointment started just like all of the rest. Randi went back to give her sample and I sat reading through emails on my phone. While I was waiting a family came in and it looked as if it was a Woman with about a two year old Daughter and the Woman's Sister. The little girl got spun around some how and was hugging her Aunt's leg until she realized that it wasn't her Mom. She screamed at the top of her lungs "WHERE'S MY MOMMY"? All she had to do was rotate a good 180 degrees and she'd be hugging her Mothers leg. It made me laugh just thinking that we're going to witness episodes such as this to the power of TWO! I remember when Christy was that little and she would throw a fit. MAN... What lungs! Turns out, I hope our little one's lungs are capable of such frequencies.

Randi eventually appeared from behind the door and we went back to the other waiting room. The magazine selection is really crappy lately. I actually brought my own for the Thursday appointment. Jim Kellogg has been bringing me his Golf Magazines when he's done with them and they seem to be coming in handy. “RANDI TURNER”

In the examining room we're looking around at the art work done by Dr. Christine's daughter to baby announcements and other such objects in the room. Dr. Christine's knock arrived at the door. The tests results from Thursday have arrived and they are positive for the RARE Cholestasis of Pregnancy. She explained that Randi is at a level 18 on a range of 0-30, 30 being the most extreme case. If this level does not deplete to 0 in four weeks, we will deliver our girls at 34 weeks. Upon receiving this news, Randi turned pale as a ghost and became very inquisitive. Dr. Christine explained this "condition" to us and basically it has to do with Randi's gallbladder and the storage of bile. The itchiness came from her gallbladder not being able to store the bile properly and therefore something is released into her blood stream causing the itching. Here is the best website that I have found on the subject: http://www.health.uab.edu/15408/. Funny enough it's from the other Birmingham hospital UAB. Randi received two steroid shots in her hip to help with the babies' lung and brain development and was told that she would need another round of these tomorrow. The Doctor wanted to check the fluids around the girls so we went in for a quick ultrasound. Both girls were inverted and staring right at us! Their faces are so developed you can almost make out how gorgeous they already are. The Technician told us that the fluids looked good so we went back out to the waiting room to see Dr. Christine yet again. After a very short wait we were called back. We were scheduled to have a "stress test" done on the girls next week but because of the Cholestasis, Dr. Christine sent us down to labor and delivery to have the test done today.

Randi and I got down there and waited for a delivery room to be cleaned. The nurses were all very nice and very accommodating. Randi filled out some paperwork while we waited. The room eventually opened up and Randi got the monitors strapped to her tummy where the girls were positioned and one above them to monitor for contractions. Randi and I watched the monitor closely. Green lines for one baby and orange for the other. Underneath were little peaks and plateaus which were Randi's "contractions". The girls were monitored for a little over 30 minutes before the nurse came back in to remove the monitors. Apparently Dr. Christine can view the results from her office because we were told that she said that the "contractions" weren't contractions but were most likely Randi being a little nervous as well as hungry. The babies' heart rates stayed between 135 and 155 during that half hour. We were able to leave from here. TIME FOR LUNCH!

We go back Thursday morning for the girls all to be monitored again. In the meantime we are going to pack our bags just in case one of our monitoring sessions turns out to be a little more than a session.

The baby shower that the girls at work threw us was nice. They got us our playpens, our swings, and some other things. Randi got to eat cake so that in itself means that the party was a success.

The way that Dr. Christine spoke to us made us feel pretty calm about the whole situation. Randi and I are both a little scared but we are confident. The girls are still active as anything and kicking the shit out of Randi daily. Sorry, that's how she explains it sometimes! =) So keep all of my ladies in your thoughts and prayers and I'll keep you all updated as best as I can.

Love to all.

Blog Daddy T.

Unexpected Appointment

Well it was bound to happen at some point. Randi has been itching like crazy from head to toe. Randi decided that it was a good idea to make an appointment to see the Doctor. Dr. Christine was unavailable but Randi was able to make an appointment with another Doctor within the practice. On the way Randi was showing me her leg where it was itching and it looked a little splotchy. We didn't wait long before we were back in an examining room. The Doctor came in and examined Randi and prescribed her some steroids as well as a stronger benadryl like medicine to help with the itching. She wanted to get some blood work done to run a few tests to get some more insight into what was going on. She mentioned a couple of different things that it could be and then mentioned one RARE disease called Cholestasis of Pregnancy that happens in 1 to 2 women out of 1000. She told us that the blood work would most likely not be back until Monday. We already have our 30 week check up appointment for Monday so we will find out then.

We have another baby shower tomorrow at my work that the girls are throwing for Randi. We're looking forward to it!

Blog Daddy T

A LITTLE ADDITION!

The book shower was awesome! Addison and Aubrey received so many books and wonderful comments written to them. Randi and I had a lot of fun reading them to each other the other night. The kids that come to our tailgate even gave their favorite books and wrote a little note on the inside and they were really special. All of them were special and much appreciated. Auburn actually won that day too so that topped off the perfect day. Thanks to everyone who threw the shower as well as everyone who attended.

Monday November 3rd ~ 28 Weeks

As I write this I am thinking about who our next President will be? Our girls will be four years old by the next election. I wonder what our economy will be like then? I wonder if we'll be at war? I wonder if we are at war who we will be at war with? Lots of questions. But for now I get to write about three very important ladies in my life.

Randi and I went to the doctor today. Randi is all belly now if you haven't seen her. We will get a new picture up soon. She is having difficulty sleeping through the night which in turn makes for an adventurous evening for both of us. When we bought our new bed I thought that it was one of those that you could place a glass of wine on one side and jump on the other without spilling any wine. Not so much. I have come to find out that it's more like a trampoline, when one side moves the wave of inertia eventually ends up bouncing me around.

Our appointment started with Randi going to the back to give her sample and me waiting in the first waiting room. Randi appeared from behind the door about 15 minutes later and we went back to the second waiting room. We didn't wait very long before we were called back by the ultrasound tech. Randi climbed up on the table and the goop went on her belly. Our girls don't fit on the same screen anymore! They're too big which is awesome! Baby A weighed in at 2 lbs. 9 oz. and baby B tipped the scales at 2 lbs. 15oz. HEALTHY WEIGHTS! Both of their heartbeats have started to slow a little which comes with their size. Baby A's heart rate was 141 bpm and Baby B's heart rate was 149 bpm, which is what is pictured.

We didn't get a lot of pictures today. Actually the only ones that were printed were of Baby A. Both Babies are SQUISHED in there. We left the ultrasound room and went back to the waiting room until we were called by Dr. Christine's nurse. While we were waiting one of the other patients that was waiting with us noticed that there was a fire up the street. This waiting room is pretty neat because it has windows all around which over look Birmingham as well as the "Lake View District". We looked up the street and you could see smoke billowing from a building and firetrucks at it's base. Dr. Christine's nurse turned the corner and asked "what's going on?" I responded with "there's a fire up the street." she asked "where?" and I answered with "where the smoke is". I didn't mean for it to come out the way that it did but everyone got a laugh out of it. I think the nurse felt pretty stupid. ANYWAY...

We were called back to the examining room shortly after the smoke comment. Dr. Christine came in and measured Randi's belly and took some questions. Randi asked if the baby's weight difference was anything to be concerned with and she said no. They were doing great!

Everything seems to be going really well. Like I said earlier Randi is all belly and not sleeping too well at night. That's our only troubles and if that's the case then it's not so bad.

We had a baby shower Friday October 24th and got so many things that we need. Thank you to everyone that came and to those of you that weren't able to come but still sent gifts. We really appreciate it. This Saturday we have our "Book Shower" at tailgate that Uncle Randy and Uncle Henry are throwing for us. We have asked everyone to bring their favorite book from their childhood and write a little message to Addison and Aubrey on the inside cover. Work is throwing us a shower as well on the 14th of November. Good times and lots of pink! Some people have asked what we still need at this point and I direct them straight to our registry at BabiesRUs.com. We have a link to it on the page here over to the right. I never thought that one needed this much "stuff" to bring a baby home, let alone TWO!

Our next appointment is scheduled for the morning of Wednesday November 19th. This will most likely be the last of the twice a month visits as we'll start going once a week. Week 28 is the first week of the third and final trimester. Just a few short weeks and we'll get to hold our baby girls!

I hope everyone gets out to vote tomorrow!

Teeny Tiny Arms and Legs

Have you tried the new mac and cheese bites from Arby's? If they weren't so darn expensive I may have had more! These things are like $2.99 for five little bites but mmmm are they delicious! Randi and I decided to eat at Arby's before our appointment today. We finished up there and headed toward the hospital. We arrived with about 45 minutes to kill so I thought we might go get some coffee at the Starbucks inside. We got off of the elevator and I found a computer monitor that was a touch screen hospital map. I was mesmerized by this thing and my Wife was not. I sat there and played with it while she walked off! I finally decided to find her and she wasn't in the coffee shop or in the hallways. Finally she appeared after she had made a bathroom stop. We decided against the coffee because we were both still so full from lunch so we headed up to Dr. Christine's office. Randi went in while I waited and found a magazine. About 15 minutes later Randi sent me a text message that said how she shouldn't have used the restroom earlier because she wasn't able to give much of a sample. Randi appeared from the door about 5 minutes later and we went back to the other waiting area. Boy did we wait, and wait, and wait. We waited for over an hour and a half until I finally, after a bit of a nap, decided to go ask someone what the hell was going on. I ran into Dr. Christine's nurse and she told me that we were next. I mentioned that we had a tour of the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at 5:15 and it was already quarter to 5. She said that we would make it. Our appointment was for 3:15... We were finally called back and Dr. Christine came in and we heard both of the girl's heartbeats. One was at 162 and the other at 154, both great. Dr Christine told Randi that she is doing great and she just needs to continue what she's been doing. Questions and answers then we were on our way to tour the NICU.

I don't know what I expected to see once we got down there but I think that I was taken a bit back by what we did. I suppose I thought that we would see these babies through a pane of glass with Nurses feverishly working around them, rocking them, feeding and what not. Not so much. These babies were out in the open, right there on a "warming bed" which looked more like a giant sized petrie dish to me. The babies that were there were a set of boy twins who were absolutely teeny tiny. It all set in right there for me. These girls could come at any minute. We are only 26 weeks as of Sunday, but if they decided that they've had enough in there, then they're gonna come! Every day that passes now I am more and more appreciative of what Randi is doing for them. I hope that our girls can stay in there for another good 3 months and get every thing that they need to come into this world. I know that the people in the NICU are good at what they do, but it was still a very intimidating place for me. Randi is amazing as she seemed fine with everything that was going on.

After we toured the NICU we had our Monday night class. This weeks topics included Cessarians and Postpartum Depression. Both were interesting and showed us what to expect as well as what I need to be aware of with Randi after birth. They also talked about Randi watching me but I think I'll be alright. Tom Cruise aint gonna be calling us out.

Halfway through class we went on our second tour in the hospital. This one was of the Birthing Suites. The earlier tour of the NICU was only Randi and I and another couple. We were "chosen" for this tour (the NICU tour) because we are carrying twins and our girls chances of being in the NICU for a little while are pretty high. We have our fingers crossed that they won't have to, but we have it in our heads that they might. The Birthing Suites are very nice. We saw one back in July when Jen and Phillip had baby Cate. Our instructor went over everything from what not to do or touch to how the bed breaks down into it's various positions. With the group that we'll have in there at some point, I may need a review of what not to touch so that I can go over it with my Father, Brother and Sister, but then again that may just encourage.

Finally around 8:15 we were headed back to the garage to get in the car and head to Subway for dinner. I was able to coax my Wife into taking the "Staff Elevators" as we took them earlier for the NICU tour.

Everything is going well so far. Our next appointment is Monday November 3rd. We will get to see the girls again and hopefully get some clearer 4D pictures. From what I've heard though it passed the time for some of you to try to find Aubrey and Addison's faces. Unfortunately most of you were way off of what you thought were their faces. I'll try to work with the technician next time and we'll get some good snaps. The girls have been really active lately. Both of them, not so much one or the other. Until next time...

Blog Daddy T.

At MOST 14 weeks to go!

24 weeks into our pregnancy seems like such a long time, but man is it flying! Randi and I discuss constantly how we can not wait to hold these baby girls. Soon enough...

The past few weeks have, like I said, been flying by. It seems like yesterday that we were drop jaw in the sonogram room hearing that there were two babies. Or being in Kusadasi and looking at that stick and seeing a positive. Life is about to change, and change for the better. Good kinds of CHANGE not that "other guys" kind of "Change"... =)

SO... Randi and the girls had a check up Wednesday. Randi immediately went back and was tested for Gestational Diabetes. She was nervous going in, she said "I don't like taking tests that I can't study for". If you know Randi this makes sense but if it were anyone else, study!? The test involves drinking some kind of fruit punch drink that supposedly is horrible. Randi's plan was to shoot this concoction and get it over with. Turns out she didn't mind it so much. Dr. Christine's nurse came out to the waiting room to get me to tell me to come on back. I met Randi in the hallway and we sat and waited for the sonogram tech to call us. Before we were called in, Randi went back down to the lab to get her results and she passed the Diabetes test. Good news! Once we got into the sonogram room, we realized that we had forgotten our CD for the pictures to go on. Luckily you can purchase one at the receptionist desk. We have spoken to the girl there numerous times about Auburn football and how she is the only Tiger fan there so I struck conversation about how awful we looked and how they need to do something about our Offensive Coordinator Tony Franklin. I got the CD and headed back to the sonogram room and no sooner than I sat down did I receive a text message from my buddy Jay saying "Tubbs fired Franklin". I couldn't believe it. All of this soon took a back seat when the monitor showed our little girls. Baby B had some make up tests to finish today. They had to measure a few things on her to make sure that she was keeping pace with her Sister. Well, while the tech was getting measurements, Baby A decided to sucker punch Baby B. Baby B waited out the attack and retaliated with a full body, Matrix style lunge toward her Sister. We were all laughing at the boxing match that we were witnessing. The Technician even kept the monitor on this for a good two minutes or so and our room was erupting with Oo's and Ah's. The girls are doing well. Each weighing in at 1 lb 9 oz and both are growing RAPIDLY. After the sonogram we went to see Dr. Christine for our Q&A session. Randi had her questions ready and Dr. Christine answered them all. Mom, Mom, Jen...

Monday night we started our "Parenting Classes". These classes go through what to expect when it's time to deliver and we get to watch videos. Well if you have seen Knocked Up with Katherine Heigl, you've seen the worst of these videos. In two weeks we get to take a field trip to tour the "birthing suites" as well as the NICU.

All in all things are going well. At most we only have 14 weeks until we get to meet our little girls. Our next appointment is scheduled for Monday October 20th. We won't have sonograms at that one but we'll post an update.

Blog Daddy T.


PS. Some are having troubles seeing the girls faces in their 4D pictures. Hopefully this helps...

Week 22

We went to the Doctor today but didn’t have any ultrasounds done. This is the first time that we have been and didn’t get to see them. We knew this going in so it was expected. We might have been able to sneak in there and I could probably run that machine by now, but we weren’t that desperate. We had to see a different Doctor today because ours was on call and she had to go deliver. We did get to see the Doctor that delivered Jen and Phillip’s baby Cate. She was nice, a bit younger and marched to the beat of her own drum but seemed very nice. We got to hear the girl’s heartbeats, 159 bpm and 162 bpm. They were positioned exactly where Randi thought they were, which is kind of neat because it means that she is really feeling them now. She measured Randi’s belly and took some questions. The main one was about Randi’s episode that occurred this morning at 1:00. Randi and I had cheese steaks for dinner last night and apparently the girls were very dissatisfied with them. Randi had some heart burn which led to her getting sick. Needless to say it scared the shi# out of me at 1:00 in the morning. I did go in and “assist” her however. The Doctor said that this wasn’t anything to worry about but if it consisted we should get it checked out. So far so good but my girls had better like cheese steaks! Mom, Jen. My Mom was at our house, so we waited to talk to her in person.

Poor Randi… Tonight was my night to get some things done in the nursery. Our evening began with us going to Lowe’s and me spending a little too much time looking for certain items. We finally got home and I got to work. I started by replacing all of the electrical sockets to white. I only had one more in the nursery to do and one in the bathroom as well as three light switches. This was all a breeze except for a dropped screw here and there. Onto the bigger task. We bought a small chandelier to go in the nursery. This required me to take down the ceiling fan that was in there. I have never installed a ceiling fan before but thought that it would be pretty easy to take one down. I soon found out that when I watched anyone else do a ceiling fan installation, there were two people doing it. I managed to get it down on my own and got the chandelier ready to go up. I asked Randi if she could come up to assist me because I couldn’t hold the light and do what I needed to do while up on a stool. The instructions, as vague as they were, did say that installation time was a mere 25 minutes, 25 minutes in Turner time = 2 and a half hours! After putting it up and taking it down at least three times, my poor pregnant wife’s arms were about to fall off. She was a trooper and tried to make jokes to “lighten” the mood. I snapped a few times here and there but when it was all said and done, it was perfect. The room is awesome so far! My Mom is doing a fantastic job with the paint and it’s near completion. We just can’t wait to experience the last step of bringing the girls home to it. We still have a while until that happens, but we’re not rushing it. We’re enjoying every minute.

Our next Doctor appointment will be the afternoon of Wednesday October 8th. At that appointment we will get to see the girls again as Addison, Addyson, Adison, Adyson, (we’re not sure how we want to spell it) or Aubrey still needs to finish some tests from her last sitting.

Last week we went to Orlando for the annual Sylvan Learning Center conference. Randi, Donna and I went a few days early and hit the parks. Randi did awesome but her feet did swell a little. My Mom, Dad and Scott joined us Tuesday night. Christy and Kevin came in a week later. The girls got spoiled at the outlets by both Grandmothers, and I'm sure Christy. Just a glimpse of what's to come...

Blog Daddy T.

Week 20 Doctor Visit

Today's appointment was for our 20 week checkup. This was to be the last of the every 3 week variety. After this appointment we will now go every two weeks. Not at every appointment will we get sonograms done, but there will be more. What are we going to do when we are only carrying one child and only get one or two sonograms throughout the entire pregnancy!?!?

It all started off with me following the wrong pregnant woman! Randi and I rode up with an Indian couple and their newborn. I held the door for them as she was carrying the baby and he was carrying the, um, carrier... =) Randi had gone on to check in. I watched the couple as they walked in and one of the receptionists was dying to hold their newborn. I wasn't really paying attention to a lot except this couple. I did only have a few sips of my coffee at this point, so I'm going to roll with that excuse. I ended up standing next to who I thought was Randi when I heard, "Ricky!". I looked over and there's my Wife who later told me that I had the most peculiar look on my face like "how did you get, I thought you were, never mind". I went to sit down and wait for her to call me back.

Randi finally peeked her head out the door and we went to the other waiting room until we were called. We were brought back to the sonogram room by a new girl. Randi took her position and I waited next to her while the "new girl" played with the computer for about 15 minutes. You could tell that she was a little frazzled and embarrassed as she looked for someone to help her figure out what was going on. Finally she figured it out and there were our girls. Randi had a chai tea to get the girls moving and boy were they ever! The "Sonogramographer", as she called herself at one point, tried to get numerous pictures for the 20 week checkup. She needed to get pictures of their hearts, kidneys, stomachs, bladders, legs, feet, arms and head. This was to ensure that everything was growing proportionately and correctly. Our girls were all over the place. She got everything she needed from Baby A, but Baby B is going to have to come back for another sitting at another time.

After the sonograms we went back out to the waiting room. There was this woman there on her cell phone talking so loud it was obnoxious. She was talking to what sounded like a girlfriend about how her Husband WILL stay the entire time she is in the hospital and he WILL tell people to leave when she wants them to go. She made it very clear that this was mostly directed to this poor guys Mother who she said that he could drop her off on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere for all she cared. MAN! This woman was such a bit#*! Hormones or not! I think she is always like that. Who would want her to reproduce? Anyway, so we got to see Dr. Christine and have question and answer time. The only thing Randi asked about was she is constantly itching and I asked what Randi's limitations would be next week in Disney World. Dr. Christine then informed us that Randi is low on Iron. We got some samples of that and a prescription and we were on our way. Mom, Mom, Jen...

The house has been a constant stir lately. Auburn football has started back which takes us out of town almost every weekend, I have class two nights a week and with all of these doctor appointments we have just been running crazy lately. Randi, Donna and Myself leave for Orlando on Saturday. My Mom, Dad and Scotty will all join us I believe Tuesday evening. We have a fun filled week of Sylvan Learning Conference as well as some park visits, golf, and outlet shopping. I can't wait to see how much stuff the girls get from this trip!

The nursery is coming along thanks to my Mom! She is amazing. We decided to go with a pink and brown theme and she has painted the walls with pink and white stripes. She has completed this in two days. It looks great. Randi and I plan to put some stuff together Friday night as well as go to Lowe's to pick up some switch and plug plates. Everything is just movin along. I can't believe we'll be at 21 weeks on Sunday. Time is going quick! (For me maybe?)

Blog Daddy T.

~It looks as if we're going to have another Christy with the thumb sucking! I think that it's always Baby A that has her thumb in her mouth. Luckily we'll have Uncle Randy to hopefully fix her teeth!

ALSO... The names are out there, you just have to know who to ask. We've got some loose lipped relatives...

Coming Soon....

We went to the Doctor today and everything is great! I got home from work late tonight and my concentration isn't all there. I will try to get something up tomorrow at some point.

Blog Daddy T.

Furniture Madness

Baby furniture is a pain in the you know where to shop for. I was a little picky as I didn't want anything too flimsy. Randi wasn't so bad; she just wanted brown and a few pieces to go with the cribs. Saturday August 23rd we decided to get the show on the road and begin our baby furniture adventure. We started off at a smaller store called Storkland. The woman inside was very nice and put together a packet of information of the different companies who make baby furniture. I don't think that I realized how much this was going to cost us, let alone we need TWO cribs. Well we left Storkland with ideas of what we like. We got back on the road thinking about the next stop. We would soon find out that Birmingham doesn't really have a lot of options when it comes to baby furniture.

Babies R Us was the next stop and we found exactly what both of us wanted! We got the salesman to come over and get us a total price and put it all together for us. After he went over to find out about delivery he came back to us with bad news. "The manufacturer is a smaller group that was unprepared for the number of orders that Babies R Us has brought them. Unfortunately we don't know when this will be available to you." Well then...

Our next stop took us to my favorite place in the entire world, the mall. We started at Sears and found one crib that looked like it was made by Playskool. Then it was onto what used to be Parisian (the new name has escaped me.) Home Store. We didn't see anything right away so we stopped and asked a Gentleman who told us that they did not carry any cribs but went to ask someone if there was any where else in the area that might. He told us JC Penny's but it would most likely be out of the catalog. By this point it was starting to get late and I was hosting a Fantasy Football Draft at Mom and Dads at 6:00 so we headed home.

Monday night, we decided to go to a place that we had heard about down the street from the house. We drove around in circles looking for this place and finally gave up. It seems as if the wonderful economy has taken its toll on Mom and Pop stores. We decided to head back out toward the mall (woo hoo!). Before we went to the mall though we stopped at Burlington Coat Factory and found something that we liked only to find out that the hutch was $400 and something for the bottom piece and $350 for the shelves. Too much $ for us! Randi had found a set that she liked in the JC Penny's catalog so we were going to go out there and see about opening an account to get the discounts available and order what we wanted. Customer Service these days is amazing. Randi went to one of the counters and told the girl that we were interested in ordering baby furniture from the catalog. With no hesitation the girl told us that we could do that at home on the internet. We explained that we were already in the store and wanted to go ahead and do it now. She told us that she understood but we could even do it from the convenience of our own home! It sounded so scripted. Ms. Customer Service girl, do you realize that my pregnant Wife is about to jump this counter and kick your lazy ___!? Calmly Randi asked if she could take the catalog and she was told that it was $3.00, but there was a baby catalog that is free at a stand on our way out. We found that free catalog and exited. Next stop Olive Garden.

When we were shopping on Saturday, Randi had picked up a little booklet of baby stuff on our way out of one of the stores. In it there was an advertisement for a place called TD's in Sumiton Alabama. Randi wanted to go out to this place but I couldn't as I had to work and the place closed at 5:30. It was a 45 minute drive from where we live. I told her that she should ask our Moms to go up there with her. She did just that and they found our furniture! Whew. So we are getting it delivered today and they will put everything together except the cribs. We have dinner reservations tonight at 7:00 but I'm hoping to get started on them. We have decided on our "theme" and what we want to paint the room. Hopefully next week we can get started on more.

UPDATE: The video mentioned in my last blog, didn't quite make it to the "big screen". ALSO there is a new "Belly Watch" picture; I just haven't downloaded it off of the camera yet.

Our next appointment is next Wednesday, September 10th.

We think that we have names, but we'll save that for a later date as they change weekly. We think these are the ones though... =)

~ I have had this post saved for a few days but haven't gotten around to posting it until now. I hope to get the "belly watch" picture up this weekend before it's irrelevant.

DRUM ROLL........

Well, the seven of you who guessed "BOTH GIRLS" are correct! We found out this morning that we will be blessed with two little girls this winter! BOY am I in TROUBLE! =) Everything with Mom and Babies is going great. We will have another appointment in three weeks and then from there on out we will go back every two weeks. Both of our Mothers were able to join us again and we're glad that they were there with us when we found out. There is also a video that we took. I will try to see if I can get that posted on here later tonight.

We hope that everyone is doing well.

Ricky, Randi, Baby Girl A and Baby Girl B

Tres Madres

July 23, 2008

We were able to bring both of our Mothers with us today to our appointment. They both seemed very excited to see their Grand babies for the first time. We were a few minutes behind this morning so I dropped Randi off on the bottom floor of the parking garage. Our Moms followed me up and through every level! There wasn't parking anywhere. This was a new one on me. We finally found some spots and went in.

After we all waited in both waiting rooms we were finally in the ultrasound room. Randi was on the examining table and we all stood to her left staring at the monitor. The technician smeared the gel on Randi's belly and couldn't get the ultrasound thing pressed against her stomach fast enough! Finally, one of the baby's silhouettes showed on the screen. All three of the Mothers in the room had smiles on their faces. I was pretty darn proud to be in the room right then. Not that I hadn't been proud before but to see the look on our Moms' faces. The Technician showed both babies one at a time. They are looking more and more like newborns. Baby A looks to have my nose, and as Christy says, maybe my belly too! We weren't able to tell sexes yet and I was a little bummed with that. I thought that it would be really neat to be able to tell with both of our Moms in the room. That's alright though, soon enough.

After the ultrasound Randi and I went into the examining room and spoke to another Doctor. We have been told that it is a good idea to see all of the Doctors in the practice at least once. The reason being is because there is no guarantee that Dr. Christine will deliver the twins. We could end up having another one of the numerous Doctors in the practice. I can't remember this Doctor's name, but I liked him. He came into the examining room and introduced himself to Randi and then said "this must be your no good Husband", he had me pegged! =) He began to look over paperwork and told us that the twins look good. They are growing at the expected rate which could be a concern if they weren't. One baby could dominate in the womb and steal nutrients from the other causing one larger baby and one smaller baby. Currently, this is not the case. The rib question came up again and I liked this Doctors answer. "You're going to be feeling a lot of pain in the upcoming weeks." He just came out and said it. No buttering it up, just how it is. He was that kind of Doctor, honest, direct, and blunt. I didn't like that Randi was going to be in "a lot of pain", just his direct answer. He also went over with us how the babies’ life expectancy grew with each week. I know, you're probably thinking "DUH", but he broke it down for us by week. Say week 28, they would have a 50% chance, week 29 an 80% chance, week 30 a 90% chance, so on and so on. These may not be the exact numbers but it was interesting none the less. He said that Randi will probably carry to week 37. Dr. Christine has said week 38, but each Doctor is different. This Doctor told us to make our appointment for four weeks from today.

We will go back on August 20th. While we were checking out, the receptionist asked if we wanted to know the sexes the next time we came. So I'm thinking that at our next appointment, we will find out what we are going to have! Randi and I already have our bets in. Do you?

Bouncy Bouncy Bounce

July 2, 2008

Randi goes back, I wait, she waves me in, we sit, we wait. That's how it's been and apparently how it will be. All the same, even the nerves and excitement. They are all still there too. This time however there is a new magazine, Consumer Reports. I have often heard of this magazine, but never once picked one up. I may have a new obsession.

"RANDI TURNER" Here we go! Randi hops up onto the table and I take my seat. Gel is smeared all over her stomach and we go into watching mode. When the babies first appear, we are amazed at the transformation from crustacean to human baby! Our little ones look like actual babies! They are still a little difficult to completely make out, but there they are. The Technician started to really grind around and while we were focusing in on Baby A, it started bouncing! Ok, swimming, but it looked as if it was on a trampoline! The Technician then tried to get Baby B to do something, but it wanted no part of the circus that was going on next door. If this is any sign of their personalities, we have opposite sides of the behavioral spectrum. There may not be such a thing as a behavioral spectrum, UNTIL NOW. The Turner Twin Behavioral Spectrum.

After we get some pictures printed off and some copied to disk, it's off to the examining room to see Dr. Christine. The Doctor enters the room and flips through the paperwork and says that everything is looking good. Randi has her list of questions ready and they are answered with professionalism. The best question is the one of the growing rib. Randi has a severe pain around her ribcage that she insists is a growing rib. Dr. Christine explains that her ribcage may be growing or expanding to allow room for the babies to grow. Tylenol will help ease the pain. We are told to come back in three weeks.

We make our appointment for July 23rd and are off to the car to make our three phone calls, Mom, Mom, and Jen.

And Then There Were Two

June 11, 2008

This was an important day as we were going to find out if we were still pregnant with twins, or just one, or none at all. We were nervous. Again, Randi went in and did her "duties" as I waited in the waiting room. Finally the door opened and she waved me in. We sat together in the other waiting room flipping through magazines and nervously uttering a comment or two here and there. I have grown fond of outdoor gear all of a sudden. Not that I would use it for anything other than to look at, but I seem to have grown an interest in it thanks to these outdated magazines laying around the waiting room. Anyway...

We are finally called back after I have picked out my future bicycle that costs $3000.00. Randi hops up onto the table and I take my seat. This time the Tech gels down Randi's belly after flipping down the top of her jeans. We're doing this a new way this time. The Technician moves the device left, she moves it right, she puts a bit of pressure and there they are, two Turner shrimps. They look nothing like humans. It's amazing! Last time there were just two blobs of nothingness and now there is, something! We are still pregnant with Twins! Randi and I are both thrilled and it's written across our faces. The Technician prints out a few pictures as well as scans some onto a disc that we brought.

Onto see Dr. Christine. We visit with her for a little while and Randi nails her with every question that she can think of. Dr. Christine has heard them all before I'm sure but man! There are a bunch! I guess the only stupid question is the one not asked. Our due date is set for January 24th. We are told that Randi will most likely not carry full term and the Doctors will not let her carry past 38 weeks. After we talk to her for a bit we make our next appointment and it's back to the car and onto the three phone calls. Mom, Mom, and Jen.

What to our wondering eyes should appear...

May 28, 2008

We returned home and made our appointment for Wednesday, May 28th. We were both a bit nervous but so excited all at the same time. Randi went in first while I sat in the waiting room. Finally the door opened and she called me back. We went to another waiting room where we had been before in December. The last time that we were here we wanted to be somewhere else. We had found out a few short months earlier that we were having a miscarriage. It wasn't easy sitting there hearing all of the other families talk about their new healthy additions. This time was going to be different I kept telling myself. Randi even felt different this time. She knew it was right.

We were finally called back to the ultrasound room. Randi hopped onto the table and I took my seat in the "onlookers chair". The computer screen lit up the darkened room as we both stare at it in anticipation. The Ultrasound technician prepared her "device" and the screen soon showed Randi's womb. The technician then announced there's not just one baby growing in there, there's two! We were looking at two sacs. We were amazed, shocked, excited, thrilled, crying, you name it, we felt it!

After we left the ultrasound room we went into Dr. Orso's office. He congratulated the two of us and then went through his spiel. After every pause he received an "uh huh", or an "ok". The one that caught our attention and made us a bit nervous was when he told us that sometimes with twin pregnancies, one sac disappears. We will have to wait until the next appointment to determine if in fact we will still be pregnant with twins. We were still so excited we had to notify everyone in the world, starting with our parents.

European Vacation Delight

May 16, 2008

While cruising the Mediterranean, Randi began feeling a little odd. Certain areas were feeling very tender, mood swings began to occur, and we can't forget to mention the mustard with pizza incident.

Randi and I discussed whether or not we should take one of the two pregnancy tests that we brought on board. We thought it to be a good idea considering there was a wine tasting session that we were attending later that day. As expected we were in fact pregnant! We called our parents to our room for an immediate family meeting. We informed them of our good news and hugged it out.

From here on out during our cruise we would hear Dos Bambinos here and there from Randi's Mother. Randi kept telling her "Stop! There isn't two babies!" In Barcelona, on the bus ride to the airport we were talking to two people that were on our boat. We mentioned to them that we had found out that we were pregnant and the gentleman said something to the effect of "you're going to have twins". Randi and I were flabbergasted that everyone is making this prediction.

Now we just had to wait until we got back to Birmingham to make an appointment to see our Doctors at St. Vincent's to be certain!

Honeymoon

Cabo San Lucas

June 2007

The story begins here, Cabo San Lucas on our Honeymoon. I wake up one morning and immediatly tell Randi that I had a dream that we had twins. Exaclty one year later...