Catching Up.

Wow - so much to write about...shame on me for not doing it.  So now I get to search my memory bank and write.  I some how think that only the "important" stuff will still be up there.  :)

Kindergarten Celebration - June 18th.
Such a cute event.  We were quickly told by the principal though that it was a "celebration" and not a "graduation" as Binghamton only has one of those.  Whatever! Really, the school can't recognize the completion of Kindergarten.  They sang lots of songs....Cody and Dylan both had a part in one song.  They held up flash cards through the song.  It was very nice that they stood next to each other for this event.  Because after that - they went to opposite sides and trying to watch 2 kids at one time while they aren't standing next to each - yah, next to impossible.  Cody sang his songs proudly....Dylan sang them as if he was annoyed he had to be doing it.  After the songs and little video/picture presentation we headed to the cafe for cake.  Still can't believe the school year is over and they are now 1st Graders. 

Relay for Life - June 18th
Starting last year my company has organized a team to walk. Last year we did much better with raising money but for our small group we still manager to raise almost $2000.  So that was awesome.  This year we had fantastic weather - no rain - and lots of sun and HOT.  It gives you goosebumps as you stand there and clap as the survivors walk by.  It's a lot of fun to walk, great exercise and raising money for a great cause.  Not to mention it's something you can do with the whole family.  My kids love to walk the track. 

Pre-school Graduation - June 21st
Tyler had his moving up day.  Ty is my shy kid.  Not sure where he gets that from although Brett seems to think he was shy when he was younger.  I'll have to see if I can find any truth to this.  Cause lord knows he's not shy now.  They sang a couple of songs and Tyler finally started singing the second song.  They wore cute little blue graduation hats.  I thought I had a hard time with C&D moving up - I really can't believe my baby is going off to school in September.  That doesn't seem possible at all! 

Tyler's Birthday - the big #5!
After a quick trip to Cuba for a graduation party, we came home on Sunday to celebrate Tyler's birthday.  He choose to have a batman birthday party.  Although if you asked him what he wanted it was Toy Story everything. :)  We had a small gathering, had invited the preschool class and was expected 4 kids to show up plus or normals.  Well here is a big pet peeve of mine - if you RSVP you are coming and then don't come - you need to call.  It's so rude!  That happened with 3 kids.  UGH.  So then as we are about a 1/2  hour into the party doesn't a kid show up - that we had no idea was coming.  OK, whatever - glad he came as Tyler and him really did get a long great this year.  However, he shows up with no gift.  Not even a card.  Now it's not about the presents but really not even a little something.  $5, whatever!  So I thought maybe the mom would bring a card back with her when she came to pick him up....nope!  Then she had the nerve to tell me that she'll be inviting Tyler to his party in August. Yah, we aren't going!  But we had fun, fun, fun and the weather was awesome.  The kids played and jumped on the trampoline and we had cake and ice cream and it was great.  He had a smile all day and that's what counts. 

So now we are onto a busy next couple of weeks and I'm thinking the month of July will fly.  I am silently hoping anyways....as we head for our family vacation the first part of August!  :)

A Twin Thing....maybe!!!!

Over the weekend Cody complained that his bottom tooth hurts.  It's loose but not super loose.  It's going to take a lot more wiggling to come out (and he is in no hurry for his teeth to fall out, just ask him!) He did complain enough though that my sister noticed it too.  So last night as I was sitting on the floor painting my nails....Dylan comes in the house and gets down to my level and says "look Mom" as he has his mouth wide open.  There is his tooth just laying there.  It took Brett one quick tug and it was out. 

I find it very weird that Cody did all of the complaining that his tooth hurt and Dylan is the one that lost his tooth (and never complained it hurt). 

I love these little twin moments!  :)

6yr. checkups

Tonight, Cody and Dylan had their check ups. It was very nice that Brett could go. He kept one in the waiting room while I only had to deal with one kid at a time. They feed off each other - so when in the room together - it can get crazy!

Dylan went first. He sat up and answered all her questions and she was very happy with him. He wasn't thrilled when he had to take off his clothes down to his underwear but he did it. He is very bashful. He got weighed....62 3/4 pounds. Yah, he's healthy! And he stands at 46 1/4" tall. I thought she would have more to say about his weight but she just said to watch the sugars in his drink. He is a very active boy - I think he's just been blessed with a slow metabolism like his parents. Everything else , BP, ears, heart, lungs, eye exam - all checked out great.

Next it was Cody's turn. He was over tired and therefor not cooperating as much as I know he could have. I'm watching the "tiredness", trying to figure out if he is in fact just tired or if his thyroid is having issues. I'll watch a little bit longer and then make the call. So I answered her questions about Cody. Honestly, she's a great pediatrician but for Cody's issues we have specialist and if I'm having a problem - I'll call them and we'll just update the ped. Cody weighed in at 53 1/4 pounds and stands at 45 1/4" tall. Everything for Cody checked out fine too!

Then we had to drop the bomb - they had to get shots! A booster to the Hepatitis shot and we decided to give the H1N1 shot. Dylan was fine with the news but Cody went into hysterics! Horrible! He has such a fear of needles that I feel so bad for him. So Dylan went first to show that it wasn't going to hurt. He did great. Cody freaked even more taking his shirt off and it took Brett and I to hold him so the doctor could give the shot. After the first arm we moved to the other arm and he says "no, not my favorite arm".....that's when Brett and I lost it. So not right to laugh at him but OMG that was too funny! Then poor Tyler who thought he was just coming along to play with the cool kitchen found out that he too needed a shot. I haven't told them yet that they all need to go back in a month for the second round! :(

This is one doctor visit out of the way. Tyler goes back to the orthopedist tomorrow for a re-check of his hand. Since the brace was put on and after the first 2 nights with the brace, he has slept fine and not complained of his hand hurting. I'll be curious to see if the x-rays will show anything tomorrow. On Monday, Cody heads back to Syracuse for an adjustment of his appliance.

Birthday Celebration Re-cap

Wow - what a truly wonderful fun 6th Birthday the boys had! It all started Friday at school. Brett and I headed to their classes for some parties. Cody's class was first. We walked in and everybody was waiting. Cody in his birthday hat. The teacher had a new idea to try out. All the kids got in a circle and Cody in the middle. Cody was to choose 6 friends to be his "candles". After he picked them - the "candle" kids all knelt with their hands stretched above their head. All the kids sang Happy Birthday and at the end Cody blew each "candle" out. Then they sat down and it was time for some chocolate chip cookie cake. Brett passed out supplies with the help of Cody and I cut. The kids were "starving" (or so they said). Cody had a smile pasted ear to ear! We left and all the kids thanked "Mr & Mrs Luckey"...to cute! Cody and Mrs. Cluck!

Then we headed down the hall to Dylan's room. The kids were waiting for us too and Dylan had his birthday hat on. Mrs. Matyas pulled him upfront with her and all the kids sang. After they were done, it's her tradition to give the bday kid "high 5's", one for each year and then pinches (on the shoulder) to grown an inch. We took the same role as in Cody's class. Dylan's class was a little more wilder but the kids had so much fun. Dylan was so embarrassed when the kids sang but it was so cute. He tries to play Mr. Macho to much. Dylan giving High 5's to Mrs. Matyas

Friday night Kevin, Kristie and Jack arrived. They stayed with us (something that they haven't done since having Jack) and it was fun to have some time with them. Brett cooked us a good dinner and then the boys played some Wii. Cody and Dylan were getting excited that when they woke up it would be their birthday!

Saturday morning came and the fun began. We headed to Karly's basketball game early. Only got to see 2 cheers but the girls looked great. It's still so neat to see her on the court. After that we headed back home. Coming with us were my Dad and Uncle Ken to hang out with for the day. Brett cooked us a yummy breakfast and the boys were getting excited for their friends to come. To bad this was about 11am and the friends weren't coming till 4. Shortly after my mom arrived and then my sister and crew. Grandpa Jim (Brett's dad) got there about 2:30 and we had a house full. It was so much fun though to have everybody together (only wish Brett's mom could of joined us to celebrate) and the boys took it all in. Next came presents to pass the time. They got new bikes, Wii game and accessories, some cash/gift cards and then their presents from us.

Dylan first opened his present from Tyler. Tyler wanted to get Dyl a new monster truck. Then Dylan opened 2 more monster trucks from us. First was Grave Digger (his favorite) and Iron Warrior. The picture above shows him holding a cool card and a ticket (blurry camera, I know). The ticket is for him and us to go to PA to see a real Monster Jam show. He freaked! Just as Brett said he would. The show is 2/20 and we can't wait. He will get to see his favorite driver and truck in person. You guess it...pictures to come! Another blurry picture (love my camera)............Cody wanted a DS. Thankfully I got a great deal and couldn't pass it up. He loves it!!!! He's busy growing his new zoo. Karly and him were sitting for the afternoon raising their animals.

Finally 4pm came and their friends showed up. We all ate and then had cake. In our tradition with twins...we sing to them separately. I made their cakes...ok, let me rephrase that...Brett made their cakes and I decorated them. Happy Bakuday Cody.......get it Bakugan - Bakuday! :)Happy Diggerday Dylan...........Grave Digger......Digger......you see where I am going with this! :)

Then it was finally time to head to the hockey game! What a fun night. It was also Star Wars night so the kids got to see clone troopers and get a group picture with Darth Vader. Then we found our seats. Now not sure if these were the best seats in the house but for a birthday party with 7 kids - it was perfect. We were 3 rows off the ice. We sat right as the Senators came in/out of their dressing room onto the ice. The kids got "high 5's" all night long. At the end of the first period....Karly was getting her hand slapped and one of the players gave her the game puck. Totally made her day! Then the end of the second period - Cody also got a game puck given by #5. Max the mascot came to hand out the treat bags and we got another photo. There were lots of fights. I mean drop sticks, take off gloves, punch until the refs pulled em apart. Plus the Senators won! 5-2. yeah! So much fun! I think we all enjoyed them turning 6.

Continued.....

I got out of recovery and headed to my room. By this time the family had seen the babies and were watching them through the nursery windows as they cried out about having to be weighed and such. It wasn't long and they brought them into me. My first moment "really" seeing my boys. I didn't know what to think. I was numb - I was excited but this is NOT what I thought I would be feeling like. I looked at Cody and his lip that was pushed up into his nose and honestly had no idea what our future held. Would he even live? Nurses were coming in, my family there and Brett and I just looking at each other. Everybody was telling us the same thing..... "he's going to be OK...they can fix that". 6 years ago I felt like everybody was lying to me. I am almost ashamed to write it but I took to Dylan first. I held him, fed him and just looked at his little round face. Brett took Cody...he held him, feed him and learned first how to feed him. I really really remember the whole hospital stay and I felt very numb.

The next couple of days I went through the motions. We changed the first dirty diaper, we fed them lots, took them for their first picture....by the time of dis-charge I had gotten angry with my nurses for not showing me how to work Cody's bottles. That's when I started to take the bull by the horn. My sister had printed me out information about cleft lip and palate and I read that a little. I knew that we were going to make it.


So..... fast forward and my babies are now 6. Cody and Brett and I have gone through such a growing stage. We've gone through stuff that some parents never will. We've met some parents walking the same shoes. We've dealt with the people that think once his lip/palate surgery was over - that he is all fixed. Only wish it was that simple. He's had to grow up a little quicker. He is the best little patient and we don't sugar coat it much for him. He's taught me that no matter what you look like...you are still a person and need to be treated that way. He really will never know what he has taught me. He has a smile that will brighten a room. And the biggest eye lashes that will make any girl jealous. He's caring and understanding. Dylan is the best big brother ever. Or maybe is it little brother seeing as though Cody is a minute older and trust me that does come up! :) Dylan is our teddy bear. He is rough and tumble one minute and sittin on my lap, cuddling the next. He is his daddy through and through. I love his little dimple when he smiles. He has a love for the out-doors that I'm thinking he didn't get from his parents. Both of them are amazing! Their likes, dis-likes, at times they are so much alike and at time they are completely different from each other.

Happy 6th Birthday to our boys!

Getting ready......

This time 6 years ago, I was settling in on the couch for my last night of rest being pregnant with twins. I had watched them grow on the screen, I had felt them twist, turn, hiccup, flop inside my belly. A feeling I LOVED with all my heart. A feeling I longed for after they were born. That closeness is amazing. I had planned what they were going to wear home, we planned what we would do if Brett was off reffing a basketball game, the due date game was complete and I honestly don't know who won it now but it was fun then. We knew our life was about to change - we were getting 2 babies and not just 1 (like normal people). Bottles were washed, clothes hung, crib made, the list goes on.

What I didn't know when I went to bed that night is that when I woke up on that Friday morning, I would have my water break. Only I didn't know it. It wasn't like the lifetime movies that I had grown to watch in my board em where the water broke and there was instant pain and labor. So I went back to sleep, got up and ate some cereal and then called my sister. When I told her what was up she nicely told me that she was hanging up with me and to call the doctor. So I did! They told me to "get to the hospital". I called Brett at work, the receptionist had been awaiting my call. They were all excited. I hung up from telling Brett to come home, that "it is time" and I went and took a shower, did my makeup and my hair. I was standing in the closet looking for something to wear when he rushed through the door. He ushered me along!

We got checked in and I got all hooked up to monitors. A little more equipment because of 2 babies and the fact I was only 35 weeks along. We called my parents and they quickly got in the car and made it out here in time. They were lucky though - because of that cereal I ate and having a c-section (because baby A was breach) I had to wait.... With that waiting I got to feel labor pains. They weren't fun! I have more vivid labor pain memories from when Tyler was born. Brett got suited up and off I went to the OR. The family went to waiting room. (Here is where I should insert what they were thinking...maybe my sister will write that) Things started to move along quickly. I got on the table, my spinal done and all of a sudden I couldn't feel my legs. Blue drapes everywhere. Lots of people in and out. Brett at my head - neither of us talking as we were both so nervous and excited. The doctor tells me he has made his cut. I wait......I wait for that first cry....it didn't come.....baby A was out and out of the room he went. We had agreed that Baby A was to be named Cody James. We did know that the babies would be taken out of the room to go to their own little team of NICU staff to check them over and make sure they were doing OK. So I got past the "no cry" and waited to hear of Baby B out - he cried! Out of the room he went. Baby B was to be named Dylan Thomas. A few seconds/minutes went by and they came to get Brett. He left. I was a little jealous he was seeing them first. What I didn't know was that he got "the news" before me and all by himself. The babies were both doing great. Breathing on their own and they looked good.......except......Baby A was born with a cleft lip and palate. WHAT?!?! He went to see them and shed a tear or two for his sons. Then he wheeled them into me.....Cody in front/Dylan behind him........."what is wrong with his lip". Gosh, I'll never forget those words. Brett told me what was wrong.....I cried....I looked away and I threw up. I went to recovery to be by myself...wish I didn't have to be....I had no idea what was happening with them......Brett walked with them down the hall to our family waiting.......

Here they come....

Dylan.....Cody

To be continued......

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Today was our very first parent-teacher conferences. They went fantastic. I kind of thought they would as if the boys were having any major problems I would of hoped the teachers would of thought to address that with me sooner. I have to say I do love both of their teachers this year and so far our start to Kindergarten has gone great.

I met with Mrs. Cluck first. She said Cody is an absolutely joy to have in her class. He is a sweet boy, well mannered, keeps her on her toes. He likes to get down to business and concentrates hard on his work. She said that if she does something different from the first day, Cody will remind her that that is not what she did yesterday. She has no concerns and he is meeting or exceeding his grade level. She did say that he doesn't know his middle name. Which he does and she asked him if his mom every called him it when he was in trouble at home and he said "no, she just calls me Cody". Trust me - Cody James gets used often. :) She also said he doesn't know his address. I was surprised on this one as that is one thing we have gone over and it was one thing they learned in pre-school. So we'll work on that. He does know his phone number though and spit that right out to her. He can't "tie" and I will take the blame on that. With 3 boys in the house - I don't have time to "tie" shoes, we buy velcro! :) She laughed and understood. He can count to 49 (only needs to be able to do to 20) and can write numbers up to 10 (only has to do 0-5). She said he really likes to write in all Capital letters but can do lower case when reminded. She wrote he is well liked by everyone and is a happy boy!

Then I met with Mrs. Matyas. We could get write to the task at hand as Mrs. Cluck had already explained forms and such to me. She loves having Dylan in her class and says he is also very polite, well behaved and she tends to use him as her "model student" to remind the kids to do like Dylan. He didn't know his address either - so we will be working on that one. I know they know it - but we may need to re-enforce it. He is also meeting or exceeding grade level and there were no major issues. I was so happy to hear he is doing so great in school. He and I butt heads and he can give me major attitude but to hear he is that polite, courteous boy in school - I love to hear it.

So the day went great. I'm very thankful to have 2 great teachers this year and the boys are loving Kindergarten!!!

What is it??

Who cares!!! What every it "was" my boys got it and are finally getting over "it"! Yeah!!!! I took them both to the doctor yesterday. I tried sending Cody to school as he hadn't had a fever since Saturday AM but after an hour the nurse called and said he needed to come home. He was sneezing and she said "looked uncomfortable". Ok. I was calling the doctor anyway and when I finally got through - I decided to take them both just because I was going. Dylan had the fever all day on Sunday but by Monday it was touch and go. The doctor decided he probably had something viral and to just watch it. Happy to report as of today - he is fine! Appetite and attitude back! :) Cody I had sort of self diagnosed. You do get to know your kids. Whenever Cody gets a head cold - it turns into an infection. His nasal passage is so close that the germs just stay put. The doctor did say that at the on-set of the illness he probably had either the flu or H1N1..but they did not swab him for it. He had had his last fever 2 days from our visit with the doctor. So it would not of done any good. He had all the signs: headache, vomiting, cough, fever....the doctor did say that having the flu shot probably helped him along. Thank goodness! He agreed with a sinus infection and gave him amoixicillin and today he had a full dose. He is back to himself also.

Watch out teachers - they are all yours tomorrow! :)

My sister had her surgery. It lasted about 3 hours. She has a lot of internal stitches but only 3 marks on her stomach that only required a steri strip to close. She came home today but felt a little more worn down today. Her blood pressure was dropping - not exactly sure why. Possibly from the pain meds she was on. They switched her to Darvacet and that seemed better. Unfortunately, she had to come home with the catheter still in as she is not back to peeing a 100% yet. The doctor did tuck her bladder so he figured it was probably just a little more swollen than normal. She should get that out on Friday. Resting at home is so much better and I know Karly and Connor were excited to see her. Now, she needs to get better so I can have my shopping partner back! :)

Maybe it's a Twin thing...

I have no idea where my two have come up with this but they have both said to me at different times and not around each other....

"Mom, I wonder what it would be like to be (the other one)"!!!

They have me puzzled. Does it mean something? Are they asking because they are away from each other during school hours and are doing the same type of things but obviously different due to teaching styles. I would hope that I am equal with them at home. We all go together and do the same things. I try and punish the same (yes the sweet boys do get in trouble). I have to say, I am puzzled by them saying it. I do answer the question with positive re-enforcement......but I'm still scratching my head. And they say it at weird times...like when we are eating dinner. So that doesn't give me any clues. I asked if they miss each other during the day and I get the annoyed look with a "NO". :)

For now I am just going to chalk it up to a "twin moment".

We've got some clean teeth.....

Today was our 6 month cleaning for the boys. Cody got to go first. He had a couple x-rays done and then the normal cleaning. The dentist was very impressed with the palate expander. He has 2 loose teeth (bottom). Not much else really to report with him as he is seen monthly now by the orthodontist. Dylan went in next. He to had a couple x-rays taken and his normal cleaning. He has already lost his bottom 2 teeth and adult teeth are already in place. The teeth on each side of the front ones are loose. She said mostly because his bottom teeth are bigger and are crowding them. She noted that Dylan has an over bite (sigh, as Cody had an under bite). His 6 year molars on bottom are coming in. She said that at our next cleaning in April, they will take a panoramic xray and possibly refer us to an ortho. (double sigh). Really, 2 kids needing Ortho - dental insurance sucks! UGH! Not stressing yet - we'll cross that bridge when it comes. Tyler was last. He to got x-rays but then she found he didn't need them so he got to bring them home. He thought that was pretty cool. He got his teeth cleaned. He has a pice of skin that runs from his lip to his teeth cause a gap in them. Our ENT is going to cut this but I wanted to make sure the dentist thought it was necessary. It is! She said that if we don't get it cut now, his adult teeth will just bounce off from it and he'll have the same gap.

I was very happy though that we have stayed CAVITY FREE!!!! Yeah! They are good brushers - with a little push from mom!

1st day of Kindergarten

A very cool day to start Kindergarten - 9/9/09....probably won't ever forget that date. The boys loved it. They came home with great stories. Dylan had art class today. Cody's class stayed in and read a story and got to draw. They ate lunch but not together. Not sure if they get a choice of where to sit or not. I guess Cody's class didn't get to go outside for recess as a boy in his class punched a girl. Oh boy! We should have a great year. Tomorrow comes the real test as we go at normal time 7:50 - 2:40....and I begin my new job of MOM TAXI.

To make our day more interesting....I also had scheduled Cody to have a endo doctor visit. Blood work came back good. His TSH level is holding steady from what it was in February. Dr. Wu said that he'll see him back in May '10. He said right now he's on been on Levoxyl for 10 months and he isn't ready to take him off the meds yet. From what he said, it could be a couple years of meds and only if the blood work stays consistent and we don't need to increase meds will he get to come off the medication. So we wait..... Cody was hoping to hear he wouldn't have to take the pill anymore.

Ending out our first day of school day - we met Brett at a pizza shop for some yummy pizza to celebrate!

1st day of Kindergarten Camp!

Today was the first day of Kindergarten camp. We got to meet the teachers, see the classroom, meet some friends and just help ease them into the whole idea of Kindergarten. They did great. I was kind of curious how I would decide on who to go with. So I asked them, Cody wanted to go with Brett so I went with Dylan. Dylan has Mrs. Matyas. As I left him at the table coloring, he had a little tear in his eye but there was no way he was letting it go. I got down the hall to Cody's room (Mrs. Cluck's) and saw Brett talking with the teacher. I peaked around him and Cody's face was as red as can be. So I held back my own tears and we chatted with the teacher a minute. I explained he was a twin and that this is his first time away. That seemed to put things in perspective for her. So we left and Cody did fine. Brett picked them up at the playground and they were having fun. They have talked about it all night and look forward to going back tomorrow.

Now my thoughts......standing in that hall way with them I couldn't help but flash back to the day they were born. These little 5lb babies with big eyes just starring up at us for us to guide into the little men they have become. I remember back to Dylan's baby days and his crying and his reflux and thinking those nights of "jiggling" would never end. Back to Cody's early days and wondering what his future even held for him. Would he even go to the same school as Dylan? (may seem like a dumb thought to some, but those that have walked my shoes know where I am coming from....I didn't know anything about his birth defect)......then I watch the two of them grow up. Watch them sit up together, crawl together, stand up at toys together, took those first steps together....brother's through and through. Yes they fight and now that they talk probably have said some things to each other but really have never been apart. They have during Cody's surgeries and Dylan has been caring and wondered when his brother was coming home. I remember how Cody healed from his palate surgery so much faster after he got home to his brother. So to have them stand in that hallway and know that in seconds they are about to embark on a new path - a separate path from each other was sad, exciting, proud, emotional.....all sorts of emotions wrapped into one. Yes they will still be brothers, yes they will still fight and nothing will change at home.....but during the day they will go to their own class, meet some new friends, be taught similar things just in a different way. I know they will do great. Yes I'll probably cry one more time on the first day of school but after that.....who'll have time!!!! I'll be super busy keeping up with 2 little boys in Kindergarten! YIPPEE!!!!!

Meet my Pre-school Graduates!

On Friday, June 19, 2009 - Cody and Dylan graduated from pre-school. Yeah! or Sniff, Sniff depending on my mood. :) I am so proud of them. They had a great two years and really did some growing in those two years. They had great teachers and great, great friends. Friends that they talked about all the time and these same friends that they partied with as they celebrated another year. As we close the pre-school years though, we say good-bye to a lot of these friends as they all are going off to different Kindergartens. We will miss them and I will miss the mom's as we all had a great time together. I honestly think the last day of school was harder on me than them. :) So the boys are now adjusting to "summer vacation"....and still ask every night before bed "mom do we have school tomorrow"...to which I reply "no".

Teeth, Teeth and Teeth

Today has been a "toothy" day! It all started this morning as the boys were in the kitchen eating for the hundredth time before noon. I guess maybe they were done eating and cleaning themselves up. I wasn't in the room but as I piece the puzzle back together I'm assuming Dylan was chewing on a wash cloth (cause he likes to) and Tyler decided it would be fun to yank it out of his mouth. Except Dylan wasn't giving in - so a tug of war began. Next I know, Dylan came running in the living room his mouth all bloody and Tyler went running up stairs. I try to figure out where the bleeding is coming from when I realize - he lost another tooth! This make #2 for him. I didn't even realize it was loose. Certainly wasn't loose like his first tooth. But it's out and we can't find it. So we have to write the tooth fairy a note explaining and hope he stills leaves the cash behind!
Cody goes to see his orthodontist tomorrow to have xrays and molds taken of his teeth. Then we will sit down and discuss what appliance he will wear and I am guessing get a date as to when it will get put on. Very nervous about tomorrow. So I wanted to take a picture of his mouth pre-ortho! (And if you can tell from the picture - if a tooth looks yellow it's really not. That is where his bottom teeth have worn the enamel off the top teeth. Nice huh?
Our Saturday was pretty un-eventful. We had a nice weather so I dug out their pool and we got out the water balloons and got wet! I realized never to trust an almost 4 year old with a hose - he soaked me! :) Today we had a 1st birthday party to attend. It was at a really nice park and the kids had a lot of fun.

Can you See that?

Cody and Dylan can.....

At there 5 year check up, they didn't pass the vision part. Our pediatrician recommended that we get them in with an eye doctor for an exam. So I took her advice and did just that. During her exam she got Dylan at (left) 20/70 and (right) 20/40. Cody was 20/50 both eyes. Dylan would of for sure been giving a script for glasses. That isn't great seeing at all. Then I decided to call the school nurse as she also tested them and I didn't remember getting a paper home. She tested them in October and got them both at 20/30. Which is pretty good as there eyes are still growing and developing. So I was very confused.

We went today and they did fantastic. They did their test and saw things smaller than I could (with my contacts in). Dylan tested at 20/20 in both eyes. Cody tested at 20/25 in both eyes. Perfect vision! No problems. Eyes are healthy, straight, no signs of anything. The doctor was very interested in Cody and his thyroid problem and said that if the thyroid continued to be a problem it might affect vision later but he said his youngest patient with a thyroid problem and vision problem was 12. They both got their eyes dilated and they weren't so crazy on that.

So the pediatrician got a big fat "F" on this one. I mean I am glad she told me to go seeing as though how she tested they would of needed help seeing but it just didn't seem right. They haven't complained once that they "couldn't see". And I kind of cracked up because when I have really known there was a problem and wanted to go ahead to see a specialist - they dragged there feet. This time, they rushed us there and there was no problem.

This is down and behind us. Next up is on Friday for Cody's hearing test. That I can't wait for and am very nervous for the results.

Being played by a 5 year old....

I guess it all started Sunday when Cody and his father have been have some discussion over a Spongebob movie.


Conversation would go as follows:

Brett: The movie is Spongicus
Cody: No, Dad...it's called SpongERKcus
Brett: No, SpongERKcus
Cody: No, it's called Spongicus.

This would go back and forth - Brett changing the name to whatever Cody said it was.
So Today Brett asked Cody, "why is it every time I say Spongicus you say SpongeERKcus, and if I say SpongeERKcus, you say Spongicus"......

Cody says......."don't worry Dad, I am just messing with your head".

Brett says it's great to be "messed with" by your 5 year old. So my Mom asked Dylan if he ever messes with his Dad's head.....He replied "oh sometimes".

Birthday Party

Singing Happy Birthday to Cody!

Singing Happy Birthday to Dylan! Waiting in line for the bounce house. Dylan's SpongeBob Cake! Cody's Pokemon Cake! All the kids sitting to watch the movie! Group Shot! We ended up with 18! The birthday boys with SpongeBob! We had an absolute fantastic party. It was great to see so many of the boys school friends come out to celebrate their day with them. We ended up with 18 kids and they keep me on my toes. We had a small bounce house so that was tough. Had to limit it to 4 kids at a time. Kids HATE to wait in line. But they did do pretty good waiting. It was nice too as we could put it up and take it down as we wanted to. We watched 2 episodes of spongebob and I was shocked as all the kids sat down and actually watched the movie. It was funny too as one person laughed - they all laughed. It was very cute to watch actually. Then I got away with embarrising the boys. I showed the video of them (that I posted earlier) and they all laughed to at certain spots. The moms mostly cried. We sang happy birthday to Dylan first and then to Cody. We had yummy food. The kids lost interest really quick while the boys were opening presents. It just isn't much fun when they aren't the ones getting the presents. The boys had a great 5th birthday for sure!

6:45 - 6:46 pm......

5 years ago this morning...I woke up around noon time and my water broke. Although I didn't know it was my water (first time cluelessness). So I went back to sleep, woke up, ate breakfast and called my sister for our morning chat. She always asked "how are you today" and I said "fine.....well". I told her what I thought happen and she told me to hang up and call the hospital. So I did - and they said to come right in. I was feeling fine. I called Brett at work - he quickly came home. Just to find me standing in the bedroom closet trying to find something to wear. I had just had my shower and did my makeup.

We got to the hospital and confirmed it was my water that broke. My parents were in the car and on there way out. We did a quick ultrasound and Baby A was breach - Baby B was head down. So the doctor order a c-section. However, because I had had breakfast I had to wait 6 hours.

My parents arrived. Just towards the end of 6 hours my contractions had really picked up. I was wheeled down to the OR and we were on our way. Baby A - Cody was born first 6:45 pm. I remember him not crying much. He was quickly whisked out of the room and was being looked at by the NICU staff. The babies were 5 weeks early. Baby B - Dylan, was born just one minute later at 6:46 pm and he came out crying. He too was taken out of the room. Each baby had their own NICU team to look after them.

Brett quickly left my side and went to meet his sons. He was confronted in the hall by the Chief of the NICU and was told some news. Baby A was born with a cleft lip and palate. He stayed with the boys and came with them so I could see them for the first time. Cody was in the front and Dylan snugged right behind him - in one bassinet. All I saw was Cody's face and asked "what is wrong with his lip". Brett then told me he had a cleft lip and palate. To be honest - it was all greek because I had never heard of that.

I went to recovery, the boys went to the nursery to be weighed and such. I cried a lot in recovery. I knew my family was in the waiting room and they had to be told the news. Cody weighed 5lb 12oz....Dylan weighed 5lb 8oz and both were 20" long. They never did spend a night in the NICU. Both came right to my room where I took Dylan and fed him and thankfully, thankfully we had a great nurse that night that knew what to do with Cody. She got him his special bottle called a haberman and showed him how to eat. He tired easily so we would have to rub his jaw to get him to start chewing again. He couldn't suck - the room of his mouth was completely open.

We left the hospital 3 days later and that's when the real emotions of having two babies took over. We had no warning that Cody would have a cleft. I look back now and realize how lucky we were that he did so well with feedings. So many kids have troubles. I had to get on the internet to start doing my research on what we were up for. We did leave with an appointment to a plastic surgeon and looked very forward to that first meeting.

I had so many emotions as I had to focus on Cody. I had to feed him and make sure I understood it before I could trust anybody else too. My mom and Brett took over with Dylan. I cried because I couldn't feed Dylan as much and sometimes feel we didn't get that connection right away.

The first year with a baby is always a roller coaster. Having 2 babies was like a never ending ride. We are still on the right - 5 years going strong!

Video

If you scroll all the way to the very bottom of the page - you will find a very special video.

"5 years of Cody and Dylan"

Enjoy!

Happy 5th Birthday Cody & Dylan

My little boys are 5 today. How it seems like yesterday that you came crying into my world. Who knew what was in store for us. It certainly hasn't been easy raising 2 babies at once but it has been filled with so much joy. Watching you accomplish all of your first, watching your different personalities emerge, seeing you become two separate individuals with the same birth day/year. Loving it when you say to each other "Hug me Brother"........loving it even more when you tell each other that you can't come to my birthday party. I love both of your personalities as they are so different.

Tash did this for Alli's birthday and I thought it was such a great idea that I am stealing it! :)

5 things I love about you!

Cody:

1. Your big brown eyes and the way you wink at me!

2. Your Smile!

3. Your love of "junk food"

4. When you tell me everynight before bed "mom, I love you"

5. Your very grown up attitude about all that you have had to endure in 5 years!

Dylan:

1. You are my teddy bear. And I love when I tell you that and you just giggle!

2. When you play with my hair. (Ok, really this sometimes annoys me but I would be lost if you didn't do it. You will always be my "hair boy"

3. Your quest to do something challenging

4. Your very wet, sloppy kisses!

5. You have a comment for everything and you are so very matter of factly.