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!