Our Not-So-Little-Anymore Family

Spring in January

2009-01-22T20:51:00.003-06:00

We've had a few, very warm days the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately, I think the today was the last of these days and that come tomorrow, winter is here to stay. Here are a few pics I got to take during one of these days ...

Harper::

Camden::

Carter::

A Little Christmas

2009-01-06T15:30:00.004-06:00

Here are a couple of pictures from Christmas ...

The twins received a shopping cart from Santa and all the kids prefer riding over "shopping".

And of course, the twins chose the ribbons and boxes over most of the gifts. Here is Harper modeling one of those ribbons.

Home Work

2009-01-02T09:24:00.004-06:00

Do you remember how upset you used to get when a teacher would give you homework over Christmas break? Well, it just seems that, the older you get that homework turns into home work (and still over Christmas break). Steph and I had to buy a new refrigerator a couple of days ago (old one kicked the bucket). Well, couple a new appliance with too much HGTV while not working and you get ... home work. We've been wanting to paint since we moved into the house in June and have decided to start with the kids' rooms. So yesterday, I textured the walls (never did it before, but with HGTV and the Internet who needs to know how to do anything, right). And today we start painting ... fun! Carter is excited because he gets to pick out his very own paint color, which is going to be some shade of green - his favorite color.

Okay ... Sorry!

2008-12-31T11:15:00.002-06:00

Steph and I have decided to make a 2009 commitment of keeping up the family blog. So we decided to get the commitment kicked off the last day of 2008. So here we go ...

The Kiddos

2008-12-31T11:14:00.000-06:00

The kiddos have all been growing up ... so much. Carter's vocabulary is a crack up, and where he learns some things we'll never know, but love it. Camden got released from physical therapy for his torticollis about three months ago. He still has a slight tilt in his neck (to the right), but very unnoticeable (unless you know it's there). Harper looks like a little girl now, and acts like a princess (the boss). Both of the twins are coming into their personalities and of course curious and into everything. Life is crazy ... but fun! Here are some pics ...

Harper

2008-12-31T11:10:00.004-06:00

This is our "sassy" princess.

Harper found some of Carter's yogurt, and decided to help herself.

Here is our little dragon-girl.

Camden

2008-12-31T11:06:00.005-06:00

Camden has the best and cutest smile.

He was a monkey for Halloween. Little did we know he would actually turn into a monkey (he climbs everything).

The kids got new winter hats - here's Camden in his.

Carter

2008-12-31T11:00:00.004-06:00

Here is Carter posing with the cookies (he helped to make), letter, and milk for Santa.

Carter writing a thank you letter to Santa.

Carter helped me rake some leaves and had fun jumping into them.

Some Recent Pics

2008-09-20T22:15:00.004-05:00

Some recent pictures of everyone. Lately we've been trying to keep everyone or get everyone healthy.

Much Needed New Pics!!!!

2008-07-11T20:47:00.011-05:00

Sorry it's been forever since I've blogged. But as you can see, everyone is getting much bigger. We can't believe the twins 1 year birthday is just over a month away. Camden has been crawling and in to everything for a couple of months now and Harper started crawling yesterday (you go girl!). Carter uses complete sentences sometimes, which blows us away and is getting much better with the babies (most of the time). Oh yeah, in the midst of all of this - we moved too. We're much closer to the church - like 2 miles away (as opposed to about 20 in Piedmont). Hopefully we won't go three months without posting again. Enjoy the pics.

All still for 1 minute!

Camden is into everything (but still time for a quick pic - he's such a ham!)

Harper loves her new sippie cup.

The best part of baking a cake with mommy.

Camden with another cheesy smile.

Getting Big

2008-04-09T21:47:00.003-05:00

Camden and Harper are getting so big. We decided a couple of weeks ago to let them start crying themselves back to sleep a little during the night, which has been a wonderful thing for Steph and I - we've been able to sleep a little more ourselves. They are definitely starting to grow into their personalities, which is neat to watch again. Here they are::

The Best Deal Ever

2008-04-09T21:37:00.002-05:00

This past weekend we took the kids to the zoo. We got year passes - which is the best deal ever - sure we are going to be frequenting the zoo a lot. It was a great day to visit the zoo - the rest of OKC thought so too. Of course most of the big animals were napping while we were there. Here are some pics of Carter from the big day::

Bath Time

2008-03-27T12:49:00.002-05:00

The twins are starting to enjoy bath time. Camden loves to splash the water and Harper simply enjoys leaning back and relaxing in the bath. Of course Carter would live in the bathtub if we allowed him.

Camden::
Carter::
Harper::

More Pics

2008-03-25T22:30:00.004-05:00

Carter getting ready to hunt Easter eggs::
The twins love to be naked, and man, they're cute -
Camden::
Harper::

Camden's Torticollis

2008-03-04T20:57:00.002-06:00

We have an appointment tomorrow, for Camden, with a neurologist in town to determine whether or not Camden is a good candidate for Botox treatment for his torticollis. If he seems to be a good candidate, Steph and I will then have to decide if we want to go ahead with treatment. Botox treatments in infants with torticollis has been proven quite successful in accelerating healing, but it doesn't come without scares and complications Thanks for your prayers.

Outnumbered

2008-03-04T20:45:00.004-06:00

Does Harper already have "a look" or am I just imagining things?

Camden's personality is definitely turning into that of the "class clown".

Daddy and Harper enjoying some quiet, alone time on the floor ... and then ...

I think I haven't blogged in a while because I'm realizing how difficult it is to give the kids equal time with pictures. And with only 4 hands around here (Steph and I) and three kids - there's usually only one hand free to take pictures - so we're behind in getting some good candids of all the kids too.

Spaghetti Dinner Update

2008-02-17T22:38:00.002-06:00

Our weathermen were wrong this weekend and the temperature never dipped under freezing - so we were able to have a successful fundraiser with no weather problems.

Spaghetti with Ice Anyone?

2008-02-16T09:43:00.004-06:00

This weekend is our Student Ministry's annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser weekend and of course the weather is cooperating wonderfully. The forecast is rain, freezing rain, and snow. Unless we get a nice surprise, I'm sure we'll have pounds of left-over spaghetti if anyone's interested.

Poked and Prodded

2008-02-15T21:21:00.003-06:00

We took Harper to the doctor about a week ago because she couldn't kick a small fever she had had for a few days. They diagnosed her with a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). Her doctor wanted to run some tests (kidney and bladder scans) to see if she had any reflux because he said that UTIs at such an early age with a high ecoli count were fairly uncommon. Well, we spent the morning today at the hospital (Harper was a trooper) watching our little girl get poked and prodded in all the wrong places. We won't get the "official" results until her doctor has seen the results, but everyone today said that all her "plumbing" looked good. So the infection is probably due to "normal" little girls stuff (poo getting into her urethra). We are quite relieved at this preliminary news as the alternative are way worse.

Gamma & Papa (from KY)

2008-02-10T21:56:00.000-06:00

Carter's, Camden's, and Harper's "Gamma" and "Papa" from Kentucky (Trae's parents) were in town a couple of weeks ago to love on some babies. It was a wonderful visit.
Harper & Camden smiling big with their Papa...
Here's Harper sleeping on her Gamma...

Who's the Messy One?

2008-02-10T21:48:00.000-06:00

So ... are the twins messy eaters or are their mommy and daddy messy feeders? It seems, that is the question.
Harper...
Camden...

Church Fire

2008-02-08T09:25:00.000-06:00

Yesterday afternoon our Youth Building at Church (New Covenant) caught fire. No one was in the building at the time of the fire and the investigators have yet to determine the cause. The initial assessment is that our Youth facility has suffered a total loss, but we will know more in the coming days.

Here is a news story that aired as the building was burning ...
Church Fire

Family and Senior Pranks at Camp

2008-01-24T21:39:00.001-06:00

My mom and dad are arriving in town tonight. Carter is in for a big surprise - he thought Christmas was over - but his gma and gpa from Kentucky haven't given him his presents yet. So tomorrow morning will be Christmas morning all over again for him (without the Christmas tree of course).

Our Student Ministry at New Covenant had its annual Winter Retreat last weekend and I must say that the senior class had the best and most creative pranks I have ever seen.
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The senior guys have been telling the girls every year for the past four years that they were going to put their mattresses on the roof of their cabin - well this year they finally pulled it off - great prank! (side note: the camp director overheard the guys plotting and kept silent and let them go ahead with it - awesome).
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The senior girls had 12 alarm clocks that they set to go off at different times throughout the night (the most creative prank I've ever heard of). They hid the clocks around the guys cabin and hoped for the best (I think most of the guys slept through most of the alarms - they are teenagers - but still a great prank).

Remember When ...

2008-01-16T17:20:00.000-06:00

The twins had their 5-month "Well Check" visit today. Both are doing great and growing and growing ...
Harper's stats:: 17lbs.3ozs (97%) // 25in. (75%)
Camden's stats:: 15lbs.15oz. (50%) // 25in. (50%)

Everybody's Growing Up

2008-01-14T20:37:00.000-06:00

It's been a little crazy around the house the past few days ...
> Carter is starting to sleep a little better - no longer do we have to sleep in his room with him, but we still have to visit his room a few times each night to quickly comfort him and settle him down (way better than it was).
> The twins moved out of our room and into their own room a couple of nights ago - we also have transitioned them from sleeping in swings to sleeping in their bed.
> Here are some recent pics of the babes ...

The twins cuddling in bed::
Saturday morning cartoons::
Harper eating cereal for the first time::
Carter helping around the house (only if it's vacuuming)::

While You Were Sleeping

2007-12-31T03:43:00.001-06:00

It's about 3:30am (that's right a.m.) and no I'm not up because I want to be. Carter has been in an incredibly terrible sleeping funk for about two weeks. He can't go to sleep without Steph or I being in his room with him and if he wakes up in the middle of the night he needs one of us to sit with him until he falls asleep (only to repeat this if he wakes up again - which often happens at least three times a night - we've both spent more than a couple of nights having fallen asleep on his bedroom floor). Side Note:: This is great fun, especially considering we have two babies who need to wake up at night also. Anyway, we're trying all of the expert's advice on helping Carter get back into a normal sleeping pattern. So tonight (or better - this morning) I've been going into Carter's room about every 20 minutes to quickly calm him and then leave (we've been at it for about 90 minutes now). I'm hanging out in the office (adjacent to Carter's room) so we don't have to keep the monitor on and Steph can try to sleep ... well, I think I hear Camden crying ... so much for any of us sleeping.

The great thing about the bottom is that things can only go up from here.

Buzz Lightyear Lives With Us

2007-12-28T15:42:00.000-06:00

At least once a day since Christmas we've been visited by Buzz Lightyear - we think he's taken up residence in our home.

The Twins

2007-12-28T15:38:00.000-06:00

Harper is rolling over from her back to belly (she hates being on her stomach though). Camden can't quite make it over yet (his torticollis keeps him from getting any momentum). Aren't they the cutest?

Christmas Morning

2007-12-28T15:34:00.000-06:00

Every two-year-olds greatest dream - lots of presents just for them - and getting to open brother's and sister's presents too.

Cookies For Santa

2007-12-28T15:21:00.000-06:00

Carter had a blast baking cookies for Santa with his mommy.

Steph's Best Friend

2007-12-28T15:18:00.000-06:00

Steph's best friend Beki (Camden "Bek" is named after her) was in town for Christmas. She has a one-year-old little girl, Stella, who Carter got to play with one day at Check-E-Cheese.

What Have We Been Up To?

2007-12-28T15:07:00.000-06:00

If you've been wondering where the posts have been lately - here is what we've been doing with our time. Everyone seems to be feeling a lot better now, though. Thankfully.

Back to the Doctor

2007-12-18T21:34:00.000-06:00

Carter visited the doctor again today. He had been getting better, but started regressing a couple of days ago (bad cough and fever). The doc prescribed him another round of antibiotics and medicine for breathing treatments and added a steroid this round (still looks like pneumonia). If fever and cough aren't better by Friday or he gets worse - we're probably looking at some hospital time. Please add our big guy to your prayers.

We got our first snow last Saturday and while he was feeling better, Carter got to get out and experience playing in the snow for the first time (he stood in the snow last year, but wanted nothing to do with it)::

Carter's Nonna (Steph's mom) was doing some cleaning the other day and Carter wanted to help (and by help I mean he wanted to get the tube out of the paper towels)::

Mommy and Her Kids

2007-12-16T22:27:00.000-06:00

Steph took some pictures with all of the kids the other day.

Getting Carter to smile and do what we want instead of doing what he wants (miracle)::
Camden looking nice a preppy::
Harper and her new Diva outfit (perfect match)::

Christmas is On The Way

2007-12-14T22:19:00.001-06:00

We dressed the kids up tonight and took some "Christmassy" pictures. Here are the twins looking cute as ever::

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Carter has two more days of breathing treatments (pneumonia) left before we can put away the "fishy mask". Here he is receiving one of his treatments. Remarkably he doesn't mind the treatment, and even likes to help get it ready::

Did I Speak Too Soon?

2007-12-11T21:48:00.000-06:00

ICE STORM 2007 (check this link::half of OK without power)
Yesterday I posted that we were lucky we didn't lose our power during the ice storm. Well ... about 8:30a our entire town lost power (including our home). We were without until about 6:00p. We spent the morning at a friend's house and then went over to Steph's mom's and stepdad's apartment. They haven't moved in yet (still completely unfurnished), but it had heat. We kept calling our home number during the day hoping for the answering machine to pick up - and finally it did. So we're glad to be back home getting ready for bed. One big blessing - the apartment complex where the in-laws apartment is, is also home to some very good friends - so we got to spend some time (we love you Meredith!). If you live where it's cold - thank God for your furnace tonight!

Aren't They Cute?

2007-12-10T23:13:00.000-06:00

Carter is getting better but we decided today to keep him out of CDO (kinda like daycare) for the remainder of the semester. We have a friend (Robbie) who Carter absolutely adores - she asked if she could keep him a couple of days a week (since he won't be going to CDO) so he can still feel special and have some time away from the twins. What a blessing! Harper continues to be the only healthy baby around here - Camden is starting to have a little cough (hopefully won't turn into anything big - but knowing our luck - we'll just wait and see).

Carter holding his little sis (mostly he pays no attention to the twins, but he has his moments)::
Camden and Harper showing off for the camera::
We put up our little 4' tree this weekend and Carter got really excited about helping (he loves his Christmas tree)::

Ice Storm 2007

2007-12-10T23:05:00.000-06:00

Those of you not living in Oklahoma may have seen news about our recent ice storm. Here are some pictures of our home and garden. We really are lucky (we were lucky to not lose power while many in the state are still without power). I ran some errands today and drove past our old home in the Village (an old neighborhood with lots of very mature trees). It looked like a war-zone and the tree in our old front yard was broken all over the yard and I could tell trees had broken in the back as well. I miss the trees (we have none in our new yard), but not during ice storms that's for sure. Please keep the state in your prayers as clean up will take a long time and as I mentioned earlier, some are still without power.

Sick Kids Update 2

2007-12-07T22:09:00.000-06:00

Carter visited the pediatrician today and ... he's got pneumonia. So we'll be taking breathing treatments and antibiotics for about 10 days. Camden's (and Carter's) pink-eye have both cleared up really well. And it looks like "girl power" rules as Harper is the only healthy baby around here. Thanks for your prayers.

Sick Kids Update

2007-12-05T22:23:00.000-06:00

Carter is still running a fever, has a cough, but the pink-eye is under control. // Camden now has pink-eye. // Harper is healthy.
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Harper on the picture left, Camden on the right::

I know it looks like this picture was staged, but really it wasn't - look at them holding hands - too cute!

Big Bubby

2007-12-04T21:59:00.000-06:00

Carter has been sick the past couple of days (fever, runny nose, cough, some sort of eye irritation). "Mommy" seems to be the only comfort during the night (even crawling into his crib with him last night to comfort him) - less sleep than waking up and feeding the twins, which I've been doing while she's been taking care of Carter.
Funny Carter Story // We have a CMT special recorded (Kenny Chesney live in concert). During the concert Kid Rock comes out on stage to sing "Cowboy" and Carter quickly fell in love with this song and Kid Rock - even to the point of asking to watch the performance over and over ... and over. Now this in itself isn't a bad thing until you think about the lyrics to "Cowboy" and the fact that our 2-year-old is a parrot! So ... we went to the bookstore and got him a Switchfoot DVD (he really likes rock and roll), which he loves now and watches at least a half dozen times a day :-).

Showing Off Those "Pearly Whites"

2007-12-03T22:46:00.000-06:00

The twins have started to show a little personality ...

Harper smiling::

Camden laughing out loud::

And of course, Carter showing off how big he's getting::

Sorry

2007-11-20T21:59:00.000-06:00

Check back some time soon for pics. Blogger is not letting me upload pictures right now and boy do I have some cute ones! Sorry.

Sleep ... Yeah Right!

2007-11-19T13:32:00.000-06:00

The kids have all been sleeping really well ... that is until last night. Camden and Harper (on separate occasions of course) have even slept through the night a couple of times each ... but not last night. Carter was up and down all night upset about something ... The twins were each up a couple of times ... Stephanie and I were up all night. I'm quite positive neither one of us slept more than a total of 4 hours. And boy are we feeling it today. I miss sleep! Even sleeping kid-less for two nights in Atlanta I didn't sleep - was too quiet, not my bed, no wife sleeping next to me. I miss sleep ... please come back and visit us!

2007-11-14T22:35:00.000-06:00

I've heard recently "through the grapevine" that a lot of folks have been saddened by my lack of posts (translated I believe that means lack of pictures). I am sorry, but hope to get back in the swing of posting more regularly. For now, here are some pictures to wet your appetite ...

Harper in the foreground // Camden in the back.

Carter turned 2 on October 22. Check out his new tractor!

Carter was Elmo for Halloween.

A rare moment when someone isn't crying or eating.

All 3 kids hanging out.

Too Cute!

2007-09-11T15:02:00.000-05:00

Our friend who is a photographer came over to the house the other day and took some pictures for us.
The family ...

Harper on top, Camden on bottom of pic ...

Camden Bek ...

Boy=blue, Girl=pink ...

Harper Mae ...

More Big Bubby

2007-09-05T21:35:00.000-05:00

Big Bubby, Carter, loves his new babies ... or is he smashing them.
Just today Carter discovered Sonic ice!

Pictures ... Finally

2007-09-05T21:26:00.000-05:00

Camden taking a quick nap ... so peaceful (for now).
Harper, up close and oh so cute.
Harper sure loves to cuddle with her big brother, Camden.

Nap Time

2007-09-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

Right now ... all three kids are taking a nap at the same time. Yes, I know, Steph and I should be taking a nap right now ... but with at least two hours of sleeping kids, we want to take full advantage of the gift. So we're "vegging out". All is well. Carter seems to be getting a little more jealous everyday, but seems to be taking this change in his life quite well. I've been able to take vacation since the twins' birth, but am going back to the office this Wednesday. I've never taken vacation time and just stayed at home before - it's quite nice.

Who Needs Sl...zzzzzzzz...eep?

2007-08-29T22:18:00.000-05:00

Steph and I are running on empty. We're learning what it takes to survive and take care of twins and a toddler on about 4 - 5 hours of sleep / night. We're hoping the twins find a good sleep/eat routine at night real soon. Steph's mom has been a huge blessing ... to the point we want to keep her.

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Everyone is doing well - thank you all for your support and prayers. And please, anytime you want to hold babies, we have plenty to go around! Just come visit us.

We're Home

2007-08-23T22:34:00.000-05:00

We're home and everyone is doing well ... mom, twins, Carter, and dad (with the exception of a little bit of lost sleep). Camden and Harper have their first doctor's visit tomorrow ... hope all is well. They both look a jaundiced, but hopefully it's just a little bit. This is the anxiety filled visit (are they getting enough to eat, pooping / peeing enough, too much sleep / not enough sleep, the list goes on and on). We'll be sure to keep you updated.

Big Bubby

2007-08-23T22:27:00.000-05:00

Lots of folks have asked us how Carter is doing with the new additions to the family. Well, even though these pics don't quite tell the "whole" story, he is really doing quite well. Of course he doesn't understand the concept of light touches, so we have to watch so he doesn't squash the twins. But he loves to give them kisses and checks up on them often. He has an independent spirit, so he's usually off somewhere in the house doing his own things (mostly playing with his tractors or riding his bike). We still have hopes that he's going to be a wonderful brother and he's definitely heading that way.

They're Here!

2007-08-21T00:14:00.000-05:00

Camden Bek and Harper Mae joined us all in the world outside of the comfortable confines of their mother's womb today, August 20. Camden came first at 6:42pm and weighed 5lbs.11oz. and Harper made it about a half hour later at 7:07pm and weighed 6lbs.0oz. They both measured 18.5" long.

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A fast labor ... Steph's water broke this afternoon at about 3:00pm ... we made it to the hospital at about 4:00pm (she measured 5 cm.) ... and both babies were born within three hours. Thank God!

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Camden is on the left side of the picture and Harper is on the right.

Powdered Donuts

2007-08-16T21:45:00.000-05:00

Steph really hasn't had any strange cravings during this pregnancy ... but she does have a "pregnancy vice" ... powdered donuts. And just like this picture shows ... Carter hasn't just discovered powdered donuts, he likes them too.

No Place Like Home

2007-08-16T21:42:00.000-05:00

Steph's doc let her come home earlier this evening, without too long a stay in the hospital. She is still on continued watch and we're hoping the contractions stay under control. Doc still says that he isn't going to stop labor, just trying to slow it down. We're just hoping to make it 7 more days - that should put us in the clear on the development of the babies' lungs. Thanks for all your support.

Another Round of Contractions

2007-08-16T16:49:00.000-05:00

Steph has been battling another round of contractions. She is currently at the hospital undergoing one of her scheduled non-stress tests, but has continued to contract, so they're keeping her a little longer to see if they can control the contractions. She has dilated a little more, but not enough to have the doctor thinking she is going into labor. Hopefully we'll be able to watch Big Brother from the comfort of our home tonight instead of the hospital room.

Looks Like We're on Our Way

2007-08-10T20:24:00.000-05:00

Steph and I got to come home today after about 30 hours in the hospital. Her doctor came in to check on her this afternoon and said that everything looked good - all of the contractions don't seem to be labor producing. He did say that we shouldn't be surprised if the babies come in the next week, but that it could still be two or three more too. He put Steph on "Stage 3" bedrest (in bed or on the couch except for bathroom privileges), and still has her watching those contractions.

Pictures

2007-08-10T19:55:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures our friend took last week. Click on any of the pics to see a bigger picture.

In the Hospital

2007-08-09T22:10:00.000-05:00

Steph started having some more contractions very early this morning (Thursday), so we came to Labor and Delivery at the hospital. After a few check-ups the doc decided to admit her for at least 24 hours for monitoring. She is dilated 3 cm, which doesn't mean a whole lot - but could mean that we're heading towards delivery. She has continued to have contractions throughout the day, sometimes are better than others. The doc is going to check in on her in the morning to see if it's okay to go home. She is 34 weeks pregnant, today, and we're hoping to make it to 36 weeks. Let's pray for the best.

Prego Pics

2007-08-07T13:24:00.000-05:00

One of our really good friends is a professional photographer. Steph asked her if today she'd take some pregnancy photos. So we're really excited to see these after she gets them worked up. Carter actually cooperated for a couple of them too! We waited too long and didn't take any prego pics with Carter, so Steph wanted to make sure to get this done with the twins. As soon as we get these back, I'll be sure to post some on here and surely you all will be getting some emailed to you as well.

Still Good

2007-08-06T16:25:00.001-05:00

Since my post on Friday, Steph has had two scheduled appointments ... one to the OB and one of her biweekly non-stress tests (NST). I'm happy to say that all is good. She is continuing to have contractions, but the medicine she's taking for these is working wonderfully in slowing them down. The doc told us today that he will have her stop medication at 36 weeks (2 weeks away) and let the rest fall into place. The doc has vacation scheduled right at 36 weeks, which is a little stressful since we switched doctors to our current doctor about halfway through the pregnancy because we wanted him to do the delivery (add this to your prayers please - that the babies keep brewing until the doc gets back from vacation). We do know that all is in God's plan, however.
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We've lined up a few folks to help with Carter while I'm at work during the week. We are seeing already that he is going to grow even more spoiled through this than he already is. He loves the little extra attention he gets, as well as his little visits into momma's bedroom to lie in bed with her (of course it's at this point she has to turn the television to what he wants to watch).

No Hospital, but Bedrest

2007-08-03T12:33:00.000-05:00

No surprise trips to the hospital or doctor since Tuesday! Steph is still having some contractions, but the medicine she's taking is definitely helping to calm them down. During her scheduled trip to Labor and Delivery yesterday, she did receive another shot of Bretheen for contractions, but didn't have to stay.
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Steph is officially on bedrest for the remainder of the pregnancy. Those of you who know her know how much she does not and is not going to like this. It's only been three days and she's not happy about it at all. Lots of friends have offered to help us out with Carter, which is going to be a big help. We're just trying to figure out scheduling so we can make all of this work. Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Another Trip to the Hospital

2007-07-31T22:39:00.000-05:00

Steph spent another few hours this afternoon and evening in the hospital. Everything is okay ... her uterus is quite jumpy these days, however. She continued to feel contractions last night and this morning and decided to call the doctor - who had her come in to his office for an ultrasound to check her cervix. The great news is that she is not dilating ... but she was having minor contractions about every 2 minutes. After a lot of monitoring, a couple more shots of medicine in the arm(s) and a prescription for some "uterus relaxing" medicine, we were able to finally come home.
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As of right now, Camden is winning the race to be the first born. During the ultrasound we could see his head bumping his momma's cervix. I'm "not-so-secretly" hoping he's born first so Harper can have two BIG brothers watching out for her.

Early Contractions

2007-07-30T21:24:00.000-05:00

Steph had her first non-stress test (fetal monitoring) this morning. What was routinely, an hour appointment turned into 4 hours as we learned Steph is having minor contractions. She's scheduled to have two stress tests per week and one doctor's visit each week. But if she continues to have contractions (more than 5/hour) she'll be back in Labor and Delivery (L&D) more often. She had early contractions with Carter and had to take a pill to help slow them. The babies are doing fine - just pushing their momma to her limits. Please pray that all goes well.

Crack Up

2007-07-27T23:03:00.001-05:00

Carter continues to crack us up - this has almost become a daily achievement of his. Today's daily crack up ... We got out and ran some errands this evening. We made our way to Target for some stuff and then needed to stop by Braum's (ice cream / fast food / small grocery) to pick up some milk for Carter. About a week ago I took Carter out for some dessert at Braum's (introduced him to mint chocolate chip ice cream). Well, as we were sitting at the stop light, waiting to turn into the store, I guess Carter recoginzed and remembered Braum's and started shouting (repeatedly), "Zerts!" (Carter code for dessert). So we decided to make it a stop and treated him (and ourselves) to a night of dessert. We really love this stage of Carter's life right now - but it's all going way too fast.

Scaredy Cat

2007-07-26T14:34:00.000-05:00

Steph and I are beginning to wonder if Carter is going to be a "scaredy cat". He has shown signs leading towards this ... Our youth group takes a little break from regular stuff and meets at a family's house during the summer who has a big pool. Carter and Steph come each week cause Carter loves to "fim" (of course, Carter code for swim). Now this family has an atypical yard for suburban OKC. They have a lot of mature trees that surround their pool and the occasional leaf or flowering bud falls in the pool. For the past two weeks, Carter has decided that he is deathly afraid of leaves and little purple flowers floating in the pool (outside the pool, they're okay). If one is about to touch him, or even in sight in the pool, he begins to yell until I am able to remove the monsterly item from his sight. there are lots of other things that seem to frighten him these days too. Hopefully this is just a phase, but looks like for now, at least, we've got a "scaredy cat".

Safe For Kids

2007-07-26T13:34:00.001-05:00

A friend sent me a link to a website that allows you to "rate" your blog. So I did, and received a "G" rating. So now we can all feel safe to enjoy the reading.

Ultrasound

2007-07-25T15:12:00.000-05:00

We visited the doc this morning and had an ultrasound. Everything looks good. Camden and Harper both weigh (estimate) just over 4 lbs. Harper is actually measuring three days bigger than her brother (must be getting some "girl power" from her mama). It's a little crazy to think that Carter only weighed about 6 1/2 lbs. at birth and today (6 weeks until birth), Steph has almost 9 lbs. of baby inside of her. Things look to be a little crunched in there too, as Harper had a foot positioned up by her head (mama's not the only one who is uncomfortable these days).

Steph is doing good also. Blood pressure was a little higher than normal (but still good). She begins non-stress tests next Monday and will have these twice a week until birth. For all of you pregnancy illiterates - all this means is that she will be hooked up to some fetal monitors for about an hour each visit to monitor her and the babies. This may be a little too much information ... but is an important prayer request ... Steph's cervix measured a little shorter than last time and is getting close to the point where she might have to go on bed rest to prevent premature labor. Please pray that all continue to goes well.

Big Weekend

2007-07-23T10:46:00.000-05:00

Carter and Steph are back home in Piedmont! Carter had a blast - his Nonna bought him a bunch of new toys (his favorites are his new "pew" - computer, his piano, and his very own tools). He also got to ride the tractor and spread rock this weekend with his Papa Harvey. Steph said that he couldn't get enough of the big tractor - so much that he fell asleep twice while riding it. He also got to ride a toy tractor at a friend's house ... I'm surprised he let Steph bring him home ... he did miss his drums, however.

Finished Painting ... Almost

2007-07-21T02:06:00.001-05:00

I was able to get Carter's room and the nursery painted tonight. I'm glad that's over - I thought it was going to be way more fun than it actually was. Luckily, both rooms aren't very big and it didn't take too long. I also didn't spill any paint, which is a very good thing - I have a track record for spilling a little bit, at least. We've only got our bathroom left to paint and the whole house will finally be painted - I'll try my best to put this off as long as Steph will let me. Steph and Carter are in Lone Grove this weekend visiting family and friends ... and I'm missing them very much. It's funny how you think you're going to get more sleep, when the "natural" alarm clock is away from home, but it's much more difficult to even sleep when the two of them are away.

Little Drummer Boy

2007-07-18T21:56:00.000-05:00

Carter has a new passion. Actually, he's been pursuing his dream to play drums now for about ... 2 months. Each time we pick him up from daycare he asks to visit our youth room at church to play the "bums" (Carter code for drums, of course). He has a little drum set at home that he loves to play, but nothing compares to the big drum set at church. I see a lot of "noise" in our future.

The Weed Empire

2007-07-18T13:32:00.000-05:00

Wednesdays have become my day to mow the lawn ... or to put it more accurately ... mow the "Weed Empire". The sod our builder laid only caught in a few places (which are growing quite nicely), but the majority of our lawn has been overtaken with weeds. Those of you who know me, know how much this is driving me crazy. I love my lawns and hate weeds. And with all the rain we've got in OK this summer, I haven't been able to do anything about it. Steph and Carter are going to Lone Grove this weekend, however, to visit family and attend a friend's son's birthday party. This is my cue to kill the weeds. I can't wait to drown them all in poison and hopefully get started on the recovery of our yard. I especially hate that Carter has an incredibly horrid backyard to play in (not that he cares, but grass is so much softer than weeds). I also have plans this weekend to paint the nursery and Carter's room. I hate painting, but am looking forward, actually, to painting all the kids' rooms. It's going to be a very busy weekend.

Is Summer Really Almost Over?

2007-07-17T10:55:00.000-05:00

Steph visited the doc this morning and checked out okay (no fun baby stuff or anything). Her iron has been testing just below average, so she's been taking vitamins and returning for check-ups every month and today she's above average - so no more testing until, probably, after the babies come.

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Our high school students at church are leaving for camp next week - which is crazy because camp usually signifies the end of summer. And for Carter, Steph, and I the end of this summer means two additions to the family. It's all gone so fast - I can't believe we're only 6 weeks away from seeing the twins. We have an ultrasound next Wednesday, which we're looking forward to (love to see those kids).

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers - this is quite an ordeal for us and we're glad ya'll are taking this journey with us.

Home Grown Tomatoes

2007-07-15T15:32:00.000-05:00

Some family friends that Steph, Carter and I lived with (The Boone's) while we were so patiently waiting for our home in CA to sell, have begun harvesting vegetables from their garden. They dropped some tomatoes off at church this morning and I can't wait to slice and begin eating ... reminds me a little of growing up in Indiana and harvesting my great-grandma's garden (even though I didn't like tomatoes back then - mostly just the corn and green beans). The picture doesn't do this "raised garden" justice either. It's at least 400 square ft. in area and is holding probably 1500 cubic ft. of dirt (the soil at their house is not conducive to gardening). Carter and I helped construct the garden (Carter mostly dug holes and played in the dirt with their daughter, Jessie), and are still a little sad it didn't make the new "7 World Wonders" list.

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We're all starting to get over our illnesses, finally. Steph's is probably dragging on the most - but her body does have a valid excuse for taking a little longer. Her mom spent the weekend with us again, helping out with Carter and around the house ... another wonderful blessing.

Oops ...

2007-07-15T15:29:00.000-05:00

I was checking out the settings here on the Blog and noticed that I had accidentally checked a box that wasn't allowing comments to be posted. That is my mistake ... and I think it's fixed now. Steph and I love to read comments when they're posted ... so please comment away.

Code Brown

2007-07-13T22:08:00.000-05:00

Oh, the joys of parenthood. And the story begins ... Carter got to have corn on the cob for dinner (his new favorite vegetable) and of course he's the cutest site after eating it, but also the messiest. So we give him a bath after dinner tonight and as we're finishing up ... he proceeds to squat ... and next thing we know, we've entered "CODE BROWN". I quickly scoop him out of the tub and yes, yell "CODE BROWN" to Steph. ***We had a friend recommend this code language so we could stop and jump into action.*** Steph was on the phone, but knew another appointment was more important. She took Carter and finished cleaning him up and I finished "cleaning" the tub. The things you do in love.

And to think ... in a couple of months ... with three "CODE BROWN" possibilities looming ... we might be calling some of you in for help with reinforcements.

Antibiotics (times 3)

2007-07-12T10:25:00.000-05:00

As of sometime this afternoon, everyone in our household will be taking antibiotics. Carter received his prescription first, I got mine second, and Steph's doctor is calling hers in today. We will be a healthy household sometime in the near future.

Steph's mom and stepdad spent the night at our home on Tuesday to help out with Carter and to let Steph and I lay around in bed all day on Wednesday ... what a wonderful help that was ... because there still seems to be little that can slow that boy down. Steph and I realized last night that Carter is beginning to grow up into a little boy. Everyday he begins to do more and more "little boy" things. It really is incredible how fast they grow up.

Energy and Chinese Food

2007-07-10T12:17:00.000-05:00

We're all still feeling a little under the weather around the house. The biggest problem with these colds is that whatever Steph and I are fighting has zapped our energy ... and it seems that Carter's cold / allergies have boosted his energy level beyond radioactive. He hasn't missed a beat. Which we are very thankful for - just wish we could catch up with him.

Steph and I had a "something we miss about California" moment last night. We decided to grab some Chinese food for dinner and had been recommended to a certain place by a few people. Strangely, Oklahoma has a lot of really good Chinese places, and this was one of them (Speedy Wok) - loved the Beef Broccoli. I had thought, however, that Speedy Wok was a "fast food Chinese restaurant". Fast food Chinese was everywhere in Corona, but we have yet to find a place here in OKC. Fast food Chinese reminds you of a buffet (food's already prepared and waiting for you behind a glass counter), but the server behind the counter scoops up your food and puts it in a wonderfully fashioned styrofoam container (more food than you care to look at too). We'll keep looking for just the right place for Chinese here in OKC - a place where the food isn't so fresh.

Visited the Doc Today

2007-07-09T12:48:00.000-05:00

Steph had a doctor's appt. this morning. It was a quick visit - everything checked out okay (she is measuring 34cm ... doctor said that mom and babies seem to be growing well). He has scheduled another ultrasound for June 25 to get a more accurate look at the kids and very shortly thereafter Steph will begin visiting the doc twice a week for stress tests. She is still feeling quite a bit of discomfort and lower back pain (and now has a head-cold) ... I will make sure to show this to Harper and Camden in a couple of years to let them see what their mom endured for them.

Carter's mystery rash seems to be drying up which is great. He loves to help us put lotion on his boo boos, but hates to take his medicine. He and I washed the cars (sorry - car and minivan) last night and he had a blast. Normally he hates getting water on his head and in his face ... but there's something about it coming out of a hose that makes it okay ... he's such a boy! We love it!

Under the Weather

2007-07-06T22:06:00.000-05:00

Everyone is feeling a little under the weather around the house today. Carter has a little ear infection and has developed a rash from an allergic reaction to something - so he's on antibiotics and a cream for his rash. He also reached out and touched a hot pan for the first time this evening (we all cried with him - it hurt bad). Steph is feeling some pressure and continues to feel a little discomfort. And I'm having some sinus problems. It figures the first full day it hasn't rained in almost three weeks and we're not able to enjoy it. But we've got the BIG, Piedmont fireworks festival (rescheduled from last week) tomorrow evening, so we're ready for an exciting day.

June Bug Capitol

2007-07-05T16:03:00.000-05:00

Carter and his mama had a good scream together last night. Apparently, Piedmont, OK is the destination capitol of the world for june bugs (they're everywhere - and love to greet us in our garage when we pull in at night). We got home late last night and Steph was getting Carter ready for bed when they both noticed a june bug crawling up his arm ... needless to say now that they both let out a giant scream (Carter's partly due to his mama's scream I think). The funny thing, however, is that last night after the "bug incident" and even today, Carter keeps holding out his hands and saying, "Bug!", thinking one is still crawling up his arm (creepy crawlies at 20 months - pretty funny). Right now, at least, I don't think Carter likes bugs.

Carter's New Favorite Band

2007-07-04T22:22:00.000-05:00

Carter has a new favorite band (here he is watching them). Just yesterday morning he couldn't live without Miles and his Sesame Street band. But yesterday morning Carter caught glimpse of a new band playing on Good Morning America and a new love was born ... a love of, "The Fray". Luckily we were able to rewind the show and record them playing two songs, because Carter loves them.

Lions and Tigers and Triple Strollers, Oh My!

2007-07-04T13:29:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen a triple stroller? And no, you didn't see it in the last winter olympics performed by an ice skater. And yes, it's a real thing. It's a stroller made for three kids. Steph has been shopping these things for a little while now and I took a close look at some of them for the first time last night. You've got to be kidding me. These things are about 4-ft long and weigh, no joke, 30-lbs (and that's the light ones). The price on these things is comical too. I realize their as big and durable as a hummer, but do they really need to cost as much. On sale, these things run about $900. Needless to say, we're shooping ebay and other auction sites in hopes we come across one. But we're more and more coming to the realization that we're probably just going to have to trust Carter will be able to walk beside a double stroller (yes, comical too ... but a little less comical than the triple) and not climb the shelves at the store or run off when he sees a row of bikes (we're in trouble). Sure, a triple stroller isn't on our necessity list - which right now seems like a good thing. But for those of you who know our son - you understand our need to keep him strapped in to something.

Boys in the Dirt

2007-07-03T11:11:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of Carter and his cousin, Jasper playing in the dirt their Papaw shovelled to fill in some holes in our yard. What the picture doesn't show is the, now empty holes and the dirt back in the driveway and street.

Missing Jasper

2007-07-02T10:00:00.001-05:00

My family left town this morning to head back to Kentucky ... and Carter sure is going to miss his cousin Jasper. Carter had a rough night's sleep last night and at one point woke up calling out his cousin's name. It was the cutest thing - and the saddest too because Jasper was sleeping and he didn't understand why he couldn't play with him. Steph and I are hoping that Carter is as awestruck with little kids as he is with big kids ... because if he is, he'll make the best big brother. I'm hoping to get some pics of the boys playing together uploaded real soon.

Twin update: Steph is really starting to feel the strains of pregnancy with twins. She's finding it more and more difficult to get comfortable at night and the babies have started wrestling and jockying for best position now - they're squashing every major organ in her body. We return to the doctor next Monday for a checkup. During our last visit, the doc placed Steph on Stage 1 Bed Rest. Stage 1 just calls for limited activity and a bit more rest.

The Driveway Phenomenon

2007-06-30T17:41:00.000-05:00

For the three years we lived in California, never once did we, or did we see our neighbors hanging out in our (their) driveways or garages. But since we've moved into our new house, in a very small town northwest of Oklahoma City (Piedmont), we've probably sat in our lawn chairs in our driveway (or garage) at least once a week. And we're not the only ones in our neighborhood to enjoy this "driveway phenonemon" ... it seems everyone else in our neighborhood does too. Carter rides his big wheel or little car around the driveway and we sit, with sodas in hand, and watch him for hours. We love this newfound "hobby" and are getting ready for our little town's 4th of July Festival tonight ... and we'll be able to watch the fireworks show form our chairs in our driveway. I love small-town living!

A Glimpse Into The Future

2007-06-29T14:54:00.000-05:00

My parents are in town for the weekend and they brought my 4-year-old nephew with them. It didn't take long for Steph and I to realize, after seeing Carter and Jasper playing together, that this is going to be our life in two years (with a little girl in the mix too)! I'm not sure we have the energy for this ... but still, I sure am looking forward to it. We just got back from Incredible Pizza (Chuch E. Cheese's on steroids) and now it's time for a nap.

Tancing With Our Son

2007-06-28T11:36:00.000-05:00

Our 20-month old son loves music and he loves to dance. He enjoys solo dancing - bouncing to the rhythm, but also loves to dance with his mama and dada. And believe me when I say that it's probably our favorite thing too. And this morning, right before coming into the office, I got to start my day dancing with my son. I was in our bedroom and he came running in, made his way over to our alarm clock, punched the button and turned on the music. He then pointed up at me and in his sweet baby voice, said, "Tance." "Tancing", as he refers to it means that I pick him up, he places his head on my shoulder, and we sway to the beat for as long as he can lay still. It's the best time, especially since Carter is such a busy boy and never just "cuddles" with us. My wife and I charish our tancing times with him ... and to start the day tancing with my son ... well, there could be no better way to start a day.

Maybe today, for just a moment, we can all turn on our favorite song, close our eyes, and picture ourselves in the arms of our Loving Father, God ... place our head on His Shoulder, and tance with Him.

Picnic In The Van

2007-06-26T16:04:00.000-05:00

It's been raining in Oklahoma City everyday now for about two weeks. Today, my wife had planned on taking our son to the playland in the mall. I was going to meet them there for lunch and watch with my wife as our son dominated the playland. But as with every other day the past two weeks - it was raining - raining hard. So my wife called me and told me that they had packed a lunch and were going to pick me up from the office and we were going to have a picnic in our minivan. And that is exactly what we did - we had a picninc in our van. It was a blast. We have removed a seat for easy "in and out" access with our son so he had plenty of space today to climb around the van and make us laugh out loud numerous times. I can't wait until we get to picnic in our van again.

*** Minivan Disclaimer: Anytime I mention that we own a minivan my wife likes me to mention that it is not by choice that we own a minivan - but that there seem to be no other vehicles smaller than a tank that can accommodate three car seats (we have a 20-month old and my wife is 7 months pregnant with twins).