14 months today!

Today Kaden and Kaleiah are 14 months old! I really can't believe this! Just a few months ago I had little babies and now they are starting to walk and are over all so independent! I love it!
I will always miss them as the little chubby, cooing babies but this stage is a blast!
Have I mentioned how exited I am for this Christmas season? They are going to LOVE the Christmas tree and I can just see them now, getting into all the gifts on Christmas morning :) The Holidays are definitely sweeter when you have your own little family! I can't wait to start some new traditions with them!
Happy 14 months my loves!!

Kaden has started to walk :)

11/29/09

How Great Thou Art

My fav song by one of my fav singers= perfection:

Thanksgiving 2009!

We had a wonderful Turkey day this year! We spent the whole thing with Randy's side of the Family. Starting last year, we now take turns and last year we spent it with my fam. My parents were out of town anyway so it worked out great!

I can't help but reflect on last year and how far we've come since then! Last thanksgiving the peas were just shy of two months old but in reality would have only been 1 week old. Plus, they had only been home from the NICU for less than 3 weeks!!
That day was so exhausting simply because we were DEAD from ZERO sleep, I was still recovering from everything and was beyond drained from nursing/pumping every 3 hrs. It took all the energy I had to get dressed (which I think it was really the first time I got "gussied up" (as my dad would say) since they had been home! But we had a great time at my parents house with my huge family. The babies slept the whole time and obvously had no clue what was going on.

This year, they are at an amazing age and had so much fun. They loved playing with the Great Aunts and Uncles and other family members! They especially loved eating all the food! It was so fun to pile on the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce and other fixin's and watch them try it. Today created such great memories and I have so much to be thankful for!

Giving Thanks

I have so many things to Thank God for....

FAMILY-I have one of the most amazing family's in the world. My parents are a true example of hard work, great values and always putting family first. I am blessed to come from such a big family and the diversity that comes with that. We all have our good times and bad times but in the end, we can ALWAYS count on each other. I could not get through life with out my family.
I also am SO blessed to have such an amazing extended family that I have felt a part from from day one. They are always there for us and it I am so grateful that we have two sets of parents who love us and our babies.

HEALTH-Every night when I pray, it is the FIRST thing I thank God for. I have always been thankful for my health and the health of my loved ones but ever since my hospitalization last year I am a hundred times more thankful that I am a healthy, young, able bodied young woman. I try my hardest to not take simple things for granted like being able to run or be active, to be able to do what I please on any given day. After being bed ridden for 9 weeks, not being able to go outside, or basically do any "normal" daily task was horrible. It really made me realize just how much I took for granted and I swore to myself I would try my best to never do so again. Of course I do, but that time is forever in my heart and mind and really does help me appreciate life so much more. Besides that, I had my TWO unborn children to think about, every moment. I had no idea if they would be born at any given moment and if so, if they would survive (chances are, if born before 26 weeks, very likely they would not have). I had never prayed so hard in my life as I did during those days. Even if they were born between 26-28 weeks, they would probably have heart, lungs or brain problems or be handicapped. The fact that they were born 2 months early and are PERFECTLY healthy is something that still makes me choke up. Things could have gone so wrong. I know people who have sick children and the hardship it brings. Having a healthy child is so easily taken for granted. I will praise God every single day for the rest of my life for their health. I am thankful for the health of all of my family members, and that I have to this day only been to one funeral. I am so thankful that God continues to protect and provide for all of my family by keeping us healthy.

HOME-The fact that I have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, beds for my babies and food in the house is a blessing. There are thousands of people in this THIS country without a bed or a home.
The space we have, the VIEW, and all the things in our home are seriously just icing on the cake. Randy and I almost every time we arrive home say out loud, "this is where we live?" We actually live in a place where 4 out of the 5 houses around us are vacation homes! And I also love this city. Thankful that we live walking distance away from my parents! I am so thankful that we can afford a house big enough (FOR NOW) for 4 people including two soon to be toddlers! It's such a blessing, I love home.

JOBS-Obviously, I am living my dream by staying home and raising our children :) I am beyond grateful that Randy has an amazing job that he LOVES and that he can provide for us on just his salary. The fact that he has a stable job in this economy is a blessing, and the fact that he loves what he does (and so do I) makes it that much better. I hope he knows how much I appreciate all he does working so hard so that I can stay home with our two babies. These days that I get to be home with them are precious and irreplaceable. I am thankful I don't have to go back to work and I can instead spend each day teaching and loving our children and invest in their daily lives.

FAITH-Without our faith, life would be impossible. I lean on my faith, on Christ, on prayer...
everyday. My faith is what makes me who I am, it's my number one priority. It's the center of our relationship and marriage and it's something we hope and pray our babies will choose as well. I am so thankful for God's Grace and compassion. Thankful that everyday when I wake up, the slate is wiped clean and I start anew. Thankful that I have such a strong Faith to get me through my toughest days and to be my song of joy on in my happiest moments.

LOVE-I am eternally grateful that God gave me Randy 8 years ago. I was a young 18 year old and he was my first boyfriend...my first love. Thankful that HE is the father of my children, He is an amazing Daddy. So thankful that God blessed us with not one but two babies to love. A son and a daughter, at once. So thankful that I have gotten to experience a mothers love. It's unlike anything else!


What are you thankful for?

Auntie Kristi's Wedding

On November 14th, Randy's sister got married and Kaden and Kaleiah were the ring bearer and flower girl! Since they aren't walking yet, she wanted them wheeled down the isle in a red, radio flyer wagon...sooooooooooo cute!!!!!
I know she and others were nervous about weather or not they would do well, cry, stay seated or try to climb out. I knew they would do great and stay seated! They love new adventures and so I knew they would be so distracted by the new sights and wondering what they heck they were doing, that they would stay put :)
Randy and I were a bridesmaid and groomsman so we were already standing up at the altar when they came down. I was such a proud Mommy seeing them so well behaved and SO ADORABLE!!!Kaleiah saw me right away and I waved and blew her a kiss. Then my parents took them so they could take their afternoon nap! It was a long day but they did fantastic. Couldn't have done it w/o my parents help. I was with the bridal party all day getting ready and taking pictures and Randy had to do groomsman things so there is no way we could have been with the babies. My parents watched them and helped entertain them at the reception so we could sit up at the bridal party table and enjoy our dinner! My parents took them home and put them to bed and Randy and I got to just have fun and dance and enjoy a few hours to ourselves.
Everyone was just dying over them in their precious little outfits. So many strangers came up to me with sweet compliments. They gave the Bride and Groom a run for their money in the attention department! hee hee!!

Update time!

Here is a quick update on Miss Kaleiah Hope:
She has started to stand by herself! That means one thing...walking is next. She has actually attempted to a few times but only at our prompting. She doesn't seem quite ready but that's ok :) People are asking all the time, now that they are 1yr, if they are walking yet. I say no and when they look surprised I explain that they were 2 months early so some things take a little longer plus, all babies are different! :)
I know some babies that started walking at 9, 10 mo. Some at 14. So it's all good. They'll do it when they are ready just like everything else!
But they other day, she took 3 tiny steps to me and we were able to get it on video (see the bottom of this post)! I was so proud of her. The night before actually, we were at my parents and she took two steps and that was her first real attempt. I got my wish about being the first one she walked to :) I think it's the mothers right to get it first but I'm just sayin :)

She talks A LOT. She amazes me with how many words she knows. Curious Grampa was googling and said she knows about as many words as an 18 month old. Most 13 month olds know about 3-4 words. Here is a list of the words Kaleiah says:
Mommy
Daddy
Kitty, meow
Doggie, woof
Choo choo (train)
Cookie
Cracker
Milk
More
baby
ball
cheese
snack
shoe
bear (her comfort)
paci
owl
banana
down
eye
hair
She can communicate so well, its amazing and makes things easier. For example, if she is thirsty she'll either say milk or open her mouth as big as she can and make a sound that sounds like yelling but in a strong whisper. It's hard to explain, lol. But I love that she can tell us if she is thirsty, wants her paci or a snack! She is so dang smart! If she sees a doggie she says woof woof. When she see's Riley our cat she says ki, ki (kitty, kitty) and then "Meow!!" She'll also say "no! no!" to him and boy does she mean it :) So cute! She knows where your eyes, ears nose and hair are too.
She is quite the princess and can throw little tantrums already! But, they are few and far between. She is a really good baby! She is my little Asian Princess and makes me sooooooooooooooooo happy! I love her to pieces!

Mr. Kaden William:
Such a boy. Loves pushing things around the house, anything that slides-boxes, baby food containers or toys! They got a shopping cart for their b-day and he loves that thing!! Recently he discovered he can climb in it so he does that every time he sees it. He also loves to climb in open drawers and in boxes. He loves exploring the house, he'll wander off and as soon as its quiet I go looking. He loves being found/caught. He thinks it's hilarious. He loves knobs on any cabinet or drawer!
Unfortunately he thinks "no, no" is a game and just laughs when you say it!
As always, he is super easy going and so lovable and sweet. He is my cuddle bug and has been extremely attached to me lately. He and I have always had that special mother-son bond but lately he will only let me rock him to sleep and just flat out wants me and only me at any given time. He will cry and squirm w/ Daddy and as soon as I take him he'll sigh and hug me. Melts me heart! Randy says, well you wanted a mamma's boy and you got one! I love it. Although when I'm trying to change sissy's diaper or make dinner and he is hanging all over me, it makes it hard!
He doesn't say as many words as sister but he does know and understand them. He can say:
mamma
dadda
milk
ball
banana
baby
meow
down
I love this baby more than I could ever describe! He is perfection and I love him to pieces!!!



The past 2 months have been so fun. The older they get the more fun it is. They are so full of personality, are so teachable and understand so much. They are more independent and can entertain themselves and each other for short periods of time. It's also so awesome bc we can take them anywhere. We go out all the time, almost every single weekend! In the beginning, I was lucky if I even went outside for a few min a day, let alone take the babies anywhere. I am also down to just ONE nursing a day! They still love to nurse right before bed. I can't believe I have nursed twins for nearly 14 months! While I still cherish that time we have, I am excited for in a few months from now when we can stay out past 7:30 on a date and eventually go on an overnight get away!
I still sit in amazement everyday that I have these two children to raise and love. It's unbelievable to me how much love I have for them and how I ever lived with out them! They bring so much purpose and importance to our lives and whenever I look into their little faces, I see God's miraculous work in them. They are more than I ever dreamed my children would be.

loving my new camera

I've loved photography since I was a child. It's my one true passions (besides being a wife and mother). It's my addiction, those who know me know I am NEVER w/o my camera. When I see the perfect shot, I get butterflies. I took classes starting as far back as 7TH grade. I'm hoping to take some more this spring. I.LOVE.PHOTOGRAPHY.
With that said, here are some recent pics of Kaden and Kaleiah (Randy took some of these as well)!

1 yr since Kaden came home!

Kaden came home the day after Kaleiah.
There were no words for what that day meant. After all we had been through, we were finally all together, under one roof and our house was now a home bc our babies were home. It was an amazing feeling, so complete. Knowing they wouldn't have to be away from us anymore was a blessing.
That night we gave them their first baths at home and then put them together in Kaleiah's bassinet. Because they were so small they totally fit and, they were used to being so close (from the womb) so we wanted to build that connection again.
Once we moved them to the nursery, they shared a crib for 4 months! :)
November 3rd will always be a remarkable day for us bc it was the first day we were all together as our family, at home. Perfection.

1 yr since Kaleiah came home!

After 5 1/2 weeks away from us, in the NICU, we finally got to bring our baby girl home. Words can't describe the feeling. That night as she slept next to me in her bassinet, it felt like Christmas eve waiting for Santa. I could barley sleep I was so excited. I just kept staring at her. I can't believe it was a year ago today!

Halloween 2008 vs Halloween 2009

What a difference a year makes!
On Halloween night 2008, we spent it sleeping in the hospital with our 4 week old twins for the first time. I was so excited to spend the night with them FINALLY, but a little anxious as well bc after all, I had just spent 2 intense months in this place :/

We went to the NICU and wheeled them in their cribs to the room we'd be sleeping in. I brought my milk and we prepared all of their bottles for the night. It was all on us now. A dry run. A taste of what it was going to be like, just us and our preemie twins. While I was SO thankful for all the care of the NICU nurses, I, as their mother, was ready to take care of them myself.
So, we got settled in and went to sleep until it was feeding time at midnight, 2am, then again at 5am. We were used to sleeping in 2-3 hour intervals bc I had been pumping on that schedule for a month a home. But it was great to just go pick them up and feed them, and just be us 4 for the first time EVER.






When the sun came through in the morning it was awesome to just look around and see our little family, to see our precious twins with no feeding tubes, nor monitors. It was a great night overall.




Halloween 2009 was the best yet! Since our babies weren't home last year it didn't really feel like Halloween. This year was so fun, they are 13 months and just SOOO FUN!!! Kaden was the cutest little Dragon and I have ever seen and Kaleiah was the most beautiful little princess!!!
Randy and I were Jon and Kate Gosselin. I had a wig that looked just like her hair and Randy, well all he needed to do was be Asian. So, that was pretty easy :) It was SO MUCH FUN! We went to Farrell's ice cream parlor that will be opening at the mission mall this week. We were invited to a private experience with some friends before it opens. After dinner we took the babies to Gramma and Grampas for their first stop! Then we just went to a few neighbors who just died over the peas. Then we back to Gma and Gpa's and had pizza while the babies played. It was a super fun Halloween. But I must say, I am so looking fwd to next year when they are TWO!