From DINKS TO OINKS

What a difference a year makes. Parenthood has definitely changed our lives. For 8 years of our marriage we were DINKS (dual income, no kids). This year we are OINKS (one income, numerous kids). How has this changed our lives. We used to love to go out and eat -- almost nightly. We were always trying the newest and greatest restaurants -- I suppose that is how I got the tire around my middle section. We went to the movies fairly often and I attended numerous pro football games and a lot of college basketball games.

Our lives today -- we'll some may call us poop regulators. When I come home from work, conversation around our house centers around who ate what and have the twins pooped today. We've had quite the problem with constipation -- due to the iron supplements they are on. At least every two weeks, one boy will get backed up and you find yourself at the diaper changing station assisting with the suppository process -- what a joy. Life is very regimented. Come home, fix dinner -- or tend to the boys while my wife fixes dinner, give the boys juice, play for an hour, give them their last bottle for the day, change diapers, get them both into their sleepers and rock them to sleep. I usually chill out on SportsCenter for about 30 minutes and go to bed.

From reading this, it might sound like I am complaining. Not at all. I wouldn't change anything. Sure, we don't have the freedom and the money we used to, but big smiles, squeals and laughter from those two boys will make you instantly forget any struggles. Christmas is not far away, -- last year we were wishing for healthy babies. This year, we are thankful we got our wish!

The "Disconnected Arm" Incident

What makes my wife a great Mom is the magnitude of her love for her babies. In our case, my wife is staying home with our twin boys and keeps a watchful eye on them all day long. Like any parents, both of us are extremely protective of our children and a priority is keeping them safe from harm and we never want to see them hurt, bumped, bruised etc. The following account is a true story, which combines some sleep deprivation, a dark bedroom, and the devastation of perceived harm and injury to one of our sons, Evan.

It is 6:30 a.m. this past Monday and I am in the shower getting ready to go to work. It is around this same time that both boys generally awaken. Just before I get out of the shower, I hear a blood curdling scream and hear my wife stomp into the bathroom. Nearly tearing the shower door off its hinges, I bolt out of the shower to find my wife with a look of panic, terror and distress. Immediately, I thought the worst -- was Evan not breathing? My wife then screams, "His arm, his arm, it is disconnected."

The word "disconnected" seemed odd, but I had to assume my wife had a reason for using this term. As my wife stood before me in desperation, I stared down at my son Evan, who seemed to have a contented look on his face. Naked and wet, I took Evan from my wife and ran him over to the bed to determine the extent of his arm injury. Meanwhile, my wife is screaming at me, "should I call 911?" As I undressed my son from his sleeper, the mystery of the disconnected arm became apparent. Somewhere in the night, Evan's arm had made its way back up the sleeve to where his hand and most of his arm were inside his sleeper. Only his elbow was still in the actual sleeve in kind of a "chicken wing" formation. Apparently, my wife, still half asleep, had gotten up to address Evan's crying while I was in the shower. When she picked Evan up in the still dark bedroom, his arm felt "disconnected" to her, thus starting the above sequence of events.

After assuring my wife that all was okay, our adrenaline and fear immediately subsided. Talk about a way to start your day!

Now, I may get in trouble for sharing this story, as my wife was a bit embarrassed by her assessment of the situation. But truthfully, her reaction only showed me how much she cares for her boys.

I can only envision what the future will bring. I can see it now, one of our boys is the quarterback on the high school football team. One of the opposing players lays a cheap shot on one of my sons. It would not surprise me to see my 104 pound wife leap from the stands, run out on the field and whip the living *&%$ out of the opposing player.

Ahh, the love of a Mom -- there's nothing like it!

One is ready for football

One of my boys needs a helmet. No, we are not sending Owen off to play for the Kansas City Chiefs -- but we are reshaping his head. Yes, that's right, Owen has been flagged with "Flat Head Syndrome." At our 6 month doctor's visit, we were informed by the pediatrician that his "flat spot" was not improving and we needed to strongly consider a cranial helmet. I never knew such a thing existed, but it does. We have scheduled an appointment to "make" his helmet in 9 days. Owen hates any sort of cap or hat we try to put on him now -- just wait until we strap this helmet on. I can already hear the screaming. At any rate, wearing this helmet will help his head return to a round shape within 4-6 months. I already have plans to decorate the helmet with the same design my beloved Kansas City Chiefs have on their helmets. Parents -- if you notice that your baby prefers to look a certain direction or sleep in the same position -- consult the pediatrician. Cranial helmets do not come cheap. Just ask Evan and Owen's Dad. I hope my wife understands that Christmas is about giving, cause she won't be receiving many gifts this year. Besides that, we already have the two most precious gifts -- our sons!

6 Months --- Now what

A little slow to the world of blogs, but I thought it might be neat to share my experience as a new father of twins.

To get everyone caught up, my wife and I became proud parents of twins in late May of 2007. Our boys, Owen and Evan, arrived almost 2 months early and weighed just over 4 and one half pounds each. Both were beautiful and healthy - aside from normal prematurity issues. After two weeks in the ICU, Evan came home with us. Unfortunately, Owen caught an infection, which kept him in the hospital an extra two weeks.

The first 3 months were a challenge. Both boys were on heart and lung (apnea) monitors -- causing additional stresses each time they went off. We were assured by doctors that the apnea would disappear with time. In addition, my wife and I were clueless about being parents -- you learn as you go. Thank God for friends and family -- truly a blessing to have help when you are parents of multiples.

In these chronicles, I hope to share my views and thoughts about being the father of twins. Although my boys are now 6 months old -- I have many stories to share with readers -- some are serious and some are just down right hilarious. I welcome your comments and stories too! Until tomorrow...