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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Thankful Thursday: Home & Open Late Pizza Places,

It's Thankful Thursday!!! Whoo-hoo! Another week in the history books. Monica and I like to take time to point out a few things we're thankful for. There's always something to be thankful for! This week contained a few crazy traveling days for myself, but it has been a good week! Monica has been busy with the boys, so I'll be going it alone again this week. That makes it sound like I don't help out, lol. I do I promise! Nursing twins every 3 hours takes a lot of her spare energy so she hasn't been up to doing a post lately. It has been getting a lot better. The boys are nursing quicker and their reflux hasn't been quite as bad the past few days. Now onto my list:

Jeremy's List:

This week I traveled to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to talk about CF to some awesome RT's. I know, I had never heard of it either. :) The trip overall was a good one and the talk went very well! Getting there and back however, was a doozy. The trip reminded me of things to be thankful for though.

I'm thankful for pizza places that stay open late and deliver! By the time I got to my hotel Tuesday night, it was after 10pm. I left my house around 1:30 and hadn't eaten since. I was pretty rushed because of some delayed flights and what not. When I got to the hotel, I thought I was going to die of starvation (that statement is only slightly exaggerated). Room service was closed and all the other restaurants around were closed. I was thinking I was going to be eating a vending machine dinner, lol. Then I noticed on the TV stand an ad for Domino's. They were open until 3am! I called and within 15 minutes my pizza was at my hotel room door! It was GREAT! Usually I'm not a fan of Domino's but it tasted heavenly at the moment! AND the vending machine had Dr. Pepper! I was one happy fella with a dinner that made my night!

I'm thankful for safe flights. I got to my destination and home safe. It took quite a while, but I made it. My flights to Pennsylvania were delayed. On the way home, I dealt with delayed flights. I changed flights twice and finally made it to New Jersey to find out my flight home was cancelled. My only option then.... fly to Cleveland and spend the night. Obviously I took it, because it got me closer to home and away from the storms they said were headed northeast. When I got on my flight to Cleveland, (which changed gates a couple times and had us all running from place to place, lol) we sat in the plane on the tarmac for an hour and a half before taking off. Hahaha! Let me tell you, it was something! BUT, I made it to Cleveland safe and sound, found a Dunkin Donuts that was still open when we got there around 1am, and found a nice booth to sleep in.

I'm thankful I have a home! I was gone less than 48 hours, but it seemed like forever. It is always so nice to walk into your home. A place you can call your own. To quote Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, "There's no place like home!" It was a relief to walk through the doors and be greeted by my amazing wife and see my two perfect boys sleeping! It's good to be back, and it's a great feeling knowing I have a home to come back to!

So what are you thankful for?!?!

Here's a few highlight pics from my trip
 
Cool clouds on the flight to NJ

New York, from the plane I could see the new World Trade Center, all of
downtown and even see the Statue of Liberty off to the right.


Walking out on the tarmac to board the small plane to Wilkes-Barre


It had propellers!

The hotel left me a rubber ducky for bathtime! Haha!

FaceTime with Monica and the boys

My bed for the night, lol


Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Hip Ultrasounds and Chunky Babies

Monica and I took the boys for their hip ultrasounds yesterday. Our pediatrician always sends twins for hip ultrasounds at 6 weeks old. With twins there is a risk of hip dysplasia, especially if one of the twins is breech for an extended amount of time. He always sends twins anyway, but Jeriah was breech for a decent amount there at the end.

When one twin is breech, they're often sitting on mom's hip bones. This can cause their hip sockets to under develop or develop improperly. The head of the femur (top of your upper thigh bone) won't really "lock" in place like it's supposed to and will sort of float around in the hip joint. This can cause your hip to dislocate often and make walking very difficult. So they want to catch it early on to resolve it.

We haven't heard the official word yet, but the doctor who did the ultrasound said both boys hips look great! He doesn't suspect they will have any problems. Great news! One more thing we don't have to fret about :)

Monica and I have learned that there's always something to worry about when you have kids. I think we're getting to the place where we don't worry as much. After all, our boys are in God's more than capable hands! He has a plan and a purpose for everything!

Our boys also had their reflux medication changed. Both boys were on Axid. Jace has been on it since we left the hospital and Jeriah was put on it a week or two later. Both boys recently started acting "off" during feedings. They would nurse for 6-8 minutes then pull away and scream. Yes, I mean scream. Our boys are not screamers. They really only fuss and only when they're hungry. If we go too long without feeding them, they will elevate to a cry, but never scream. We knew something was up. Then when we would try and give them a bottle of pumped milk, they would do the same thing. They still showed all the signs of being hungry though. We called the doctor and he said it is very common for infants to outgrow the Axid. Axid is supposed to block the acid in the stomach. Eventually if they still have reflux they will need something stronger. Now they are on Prevacid, which tells the body not to produce the acid. It's hard to tell if it's working it's magic yet, since we just started but I think it seems as though it's helping. They seem to still have problems sometimes, but we have feedings now that are as smooth as their little butts! :)

That's all for now. Here's a couple pics to show just how much they've chunked up!





Thursday, May 16, 2013

Thankful Thursday: Nuff Said

This week I'm thankful for my boys. Moments Monica and I have with them like the ones depicted in this post. So this week we're thankful for our boys! Nuff said ;)


Monday, May 13, 2013

Mother's Day, Dedication & 1 Month Old

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers reading this! I love Mother's Day! It's a day set aside for you to show your momma just how much she means to you. Yesterday was was a pretty incredible Mother's Day for us. It was Monica's first Mother's Day, the day we had our boys dedicated back to the Lord, and they turned 1 month old! That's a pretty amazing day if you ask me.

We initially did not want to dedicate the boys on Mother's Day as not to steal away attention form the other mothers at our church or seem like we wanted the day to be about us and our boys. Due to work schedules and other family functions we had no other choice aside from waiting several more weeks. Our pastor thought it was a great idea and very fitting to have our sons dedicated on Monica's first Mother's Day.

It went pretty well. It was a beautiful ceremony and very well done by our pastor and his wife. Wouldn't you know it though, Jace & Jeriah slept through the entire service until it was time for their dedication. Then they woke up and decided they were hungry, lol. They were a little fussy and both released quite a bit of flatulence (just like their mother, haha!) but overall they did very well! Almost everyone in both of our families that was able to attend was there and it was a very precious moment for Monica and I.

We spent the rest of the day with family. Eating, napping, eating some more, spending more time with family and eating some more! Hey, Monica is nursing twins and I have CF, lol! We're allowed to eat like that! :)

It was a great Mother's Day!!!

Here's some of what our pastor said at the dedication followed by pictures!


Introduction

Psalm 127:3 NLT proclaims that "Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him."

When Jeremy and Monica believed God for their miracle, this was the verse they clung to. God was gracious and heard their prayers. Now, that same verse is seen from a different perspective. These boys are a gift from the Lord, so, first and foremost they belong to God and it is only proper and appropriate that they are dedicated back to God.


Poem for Grandparents

The Lord has richly blessed you
In these little lives He’s given
Your precious little grandchildren
Are a wonderful new addition

These precious little bundles
Are a gift of God’s grace
And has a wonderful heritage,
A family with Godly faith

Grandparents have a special place
In their grandchildren’s lives
For they can share the love of God
And their faith in Jesus Christ.

© By M.S.Lowndes

 

ADDRESS CONGREGATION

The family is a divine institution ordained of God in the beginning of time. Children are a heritage of God and are committed to their parents for care, protection and training.

It is important that all parents recognize their obligation and responsibility to God in this matter.

Moses’ mother, Jochab, trained her child after she gave him to God. Hannah recognized that her child was Jehovah’s, because she received him as from God. She believed that God could do more for him and through him than she could do, so she gave him back to God while he was young and tender.

Her son’s name was Samuel which means “he was God asked,” because she prayed and God granted her request.

There are some mothers and fathers who are afraid to trust their children to God. Hannah wasn’t afraid. She said, “As long as he lives, he shall be the Lords.”

 

The New Testament says that Mary brought the young child, Jesus, to the temple and now Jeremy and Monica recognize the sacredness of their charge and bring back to God the treasure with which the Lord has entrusted them.

They publicly acknowledge their responsibility for the nurture and admonition of this child in the ways of Righteousness.

Meaning of Names and Associated Scriptures

Jeremy and Monica have carefully and intentionally named their children. The names are very fitting because the Word of God speaks to each one.

Your firstborn, Jace, finds is derived from the Hebrew names Jason and Joshua and means: “God is my salvation

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth

Your second born, Jeriah, was named after the grandson of Levi, a priest, and means: “Jehovah Sees

1 Peter 3:12 the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers


CHARGE TO PARENTS

Jeremy and Monica, you have chosen this day to dedicate your children to the Lord. This is not a trivial decision. There are many responsibilities that you will have if this ceremony is to be more than a sentimental gesture. The Bible says in Deuteronomy 6 :6, 7 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Today, you are expressing your duty to provide a godly home and a godly environment for your sons. You are recognizing your responsibility to teach your children the principles of the Christian faith and raise them to give reverent attendance to both the public and private worship of God. You are dedicating yourselves to lead Jace and Jeriah into the love of God and into His service.

Charge to Friendship Assembly of God

Friendship Assembly of God, we also have a responsibility in the upbringing of these children and so, I present a challenge to you who attend:

Do all that you can to provide and support a place of worship where these children may hear the full counsel of God’s word.

Set an example by your lives and maintain an atmosphere in this church that will inspire them to desire a Christian way of life.           

          AND as often as God reminds you, pray for their salvation.

PRESENTATION OF ROSES

RED ROSE:         Father      

Jeremy, the color red symbolized the unique blood relationship that you have with your children. This relationship places you in direct authority in their lives. The Bible puts you in the unique position to be the priest and leader of your family. Take this responsibility with great seriousness. No one will do it for you. Lead your family in prayer and spiritual matters. Be the leader without being the dictator. Be a father that your young children can follow in life and into heaven.

The red rose also represents the work of Christ in giving his blood for the salvation of men and women. At the appropriate time, you are challenged to make sure that your sons have the plan of salvation made clear so a decision can be made by them for Christ. Follow that decision by assisting your childen to continue to grow as Christians and servants of God.

 

WHITE ROSE:    Mother

Monica, this white rose symbolizes purity. As the mother of these infants, it is your responsibility to instruct them in the value of living a pure life before man and God. Your duty is to maintain purity within your life and within your home as an example of the purity of Christ. The Bible challenges us to live a life without sin and above reproach. Your children will follow what you are far more than what you say. Maintain this purity with all of your strength. You are God's representative before your sons of His holiness.

The white rose also stands for the purity that comes from the righteousness of God that is given at the time of salvation. It is only by realizing the meaning of purity that the child will grasp the unholy nature of sin and choose to forsake it.

 

ROSE BUD:       Babies       

Now we present a rose bud for each twin. The rose buds have not yet revealed what they will be. The loveliness and potential is still locked within their tightly closed petals. With time, the roses within will be revealed. Like these rose buds, your babies have a future that will be revealed as they grow and develop. Unlike them, this future will be directly influenced by you. You are called upon to help these delicate lives unfold in a way that is honorable to God.

These lives have been given to you as a sacred trust. How you handle this trust will affect how their lives unfolds. Understand that God expects you to enlist His help
to accomplish this joyful task. Day by day, your sons will develop before you. Treat your children as the special gifts that they are. Well raised children are a joy to the parents and a blessing to God and society. Their lives are in your hands. Handle them with the care they deserve.
 









 


 
 


Friday, May 10, 2013

Thankful Thursday: Duck Dynasty & Getting out

Well it's that time of the week again! Thankful Thursday is upon us! Another week recorded in the history books! Our weeks seem to go by slow and fast all at the same time. Don't ask me how that works, but life with twins can seem to drag and fly at times. Whether it's going slow or whizzing by, life is still fantastic and we have so much to be thankful for! Monica and I still like to take time each week to make a (hopefully) short list of things we're thankful for. So here we have it folks... our lists:

Monica's List:



Jeremy's List:

I'm thankful for health! My past few doctors visits, my FEV1 has slowly been creeping upwards. This is great news! I've been feeling really good. I've only battled a cold once so far this year which is extremely rare. A couple years ago, I was hospitalized in January, got sick again in February and fought it until June or July when I was admitted again. It seemed I was always fighting something and needing to be on oral antibiotics every time I went to the clinic. After hearing about what my fibro Ronnie from rsbr.com has been going through it made me thankful for the health I've had here lately. We'll be praying for Ronnie that he bounces back quick!

I'm thankful for Duck Dynasty! I know it may sound silly to be thankful for, but on the nights when Jeriah is having tummy problems and can't sleep unless he's upright and being held, Duck Dynasty helps pass the time. It's also nice to have something to watch when there's nothing on TV. Monica and I don't have cable or satellite, just basic TV. Channels 2, 4, 5, 11, and 30. Plus it's just down right hilarious! I like that kind of comedy. Hey, listen here... hey, that's good stuff Jack!

I'm thankful for good babies! Monica and I have been able to get out of the house a decent amount with them. Once they're fed, burped and have clean butts they're good to go for another couple hours. We're surprised at how many people are shocked at the number of places we've taken them. I always said I wouldn't let us having kids keep us couped up in the house or stop traveling as much as possible! It helps that we have very good babies though, lol! We've taken them to Costco 2 or 3 times, O'Charleys restaurant, IHOP, the mall, all over the place! I'm thankful we've been able to get out of the house!

Friday, May 3, 2013

Newborn Photo Shoot

First we have to say a huge thanks to Cindy from Cindy Lee Photography! She's been with us through our journey in life thus far. She took our wedding photos, maternity photos and now newborn photos. She feels more like a friend than our photographer! Thanks Cindy! To check out her site and all her awesomeness click here! To follow her on Facebook click here!

Cindy gave us a ton of pictures, so we'll post some of our favorites! Keep an eye out for more to come as well!

Also, the boys had a doctor appointment today. In 2 weeks our boys have been doing some serious growing! Making daddy proud! I wish I could make these kind of gains!

Jace went from 5 lbs 12oz and 19.25in to 7 lbs 2.5oz and 20.25in! That's a pound and 6oz!

Jeriah went from 5 lbs 1oz and 19.75in to 6 lbs 12oz and 20.5in! That's a pound and 11oz!