Merry Christmas!

We have really had a life changing year. I was put on bedrest when I was about 24 weeks along with the twins. It was harder than I thought it would be, I think I left a permanant dent on our couch. I got so stir crazy that I had Brian take me out every now and then. He had to push me around Costco and the zoo in a wheelchair. Definitely a humbling experience for me:) Despite my efforts to stay very still the babies decided to come a few months early (really only 5 weeks early for twins). They were little, but strong. They only had to stay 4 weeks in the hospital, most of the time in the ICN. We considered ourselves super lucky to be out of there so soon. It was a hard time in life..trying to balance our big boys' schedules, be at the hopsital most of the day, heal from delivering them, and deal with the emotions of losing dad just 4 months before all of this happened. I was amazed at my friends' generosity and support they poured out on us. They, along with God's grace carried us through what was probably the toughest 6 months of our lives so far. The babies have been steadily growing and thriving. We feel so blessed that there were no complications with them. They were incredibly healthy little guys for coming as early as they did. They are now 9 months old and are absolutely the lights of all of our lives. Luigi and Heiner are just as in love with them as Brian and I are. They are the greatest big brothers. It gives me such joy to see them play with them. We're still trying to get them to speak to them in Spanish,but they are so used to speaking English they forget to use their Spanish with them. When they do, it is absolute music to my ears.
Luigi is now in 10th grade at Emerald Ridge (where I teach). I love having him at my school with me. He is thriving-getting solid grades, he lettered in Cross country, played club soccer and he is really involved in his aviation class. He is such a good example to his little brothers (and to us much of the time!).
Heiner is in 6th grade at Fruitland. He is all about getting his AR points, playing soccer at recess, and girls no longer have cooties. He is a really strong soccer player, we just finished a 10 month season! He is so much fun to be around. He has grown up so much these past 3 years. I think back when he first arrived and the issues we had, and the boy that he has grown into--it amazes us. He has found his place in this family. He knows he isn't going anywhere and it is obvious in the confidence he exudes. We call him the baby whisperer because he is so amazing with his little brothers.
Brian got hired on with the District as the Facilities Planner Administrator. His 4 year degree is now being put to work. (He still has his Real Estate Licence and plans to do that on the side. ) It has been a huge adjustment- going from being his own boss, to having a set schedule. But it really is a great job..one mile from home, good hours, steady pay, insurance for his 4 kids. We feel that God has been watching out for us.
I'm still teaching Spanish III and IV at ERHS. This year I am working 3 days a week and home with the babies 2 days a week. We have a wonderful nanny who is with the babies on the days that I work.
All in all, a life changing year. We are in awe of the gifts that God has blessed us with this year. I look at my 4 boys and am so GRATEFUL to God that He is giving me the chance to be a mom. I treasure them...they all bring me such joy.
So in this holiday season, I am looking at all the blessings God has poured out onto me this year. I look at my sweet husband kissing our healthy babies, I look at my wonderful teenage son snuggling on the carpet with my faithful, loving dog, I look at my middle son who has realized he really belongs here, I look at myself in the mirror and see a few more lines around my eyes, but in them I see that I am no longer "longing" for something out of reach. I have what my soul has always needed....
Merry Christmas- I love you guys.

San Juans

Jan rented a house for the family last weekend on the San Juans. It was her and my dad's favorite place to boat in the summer, they spent many weeks every year up there. She wanted to be there for the one year anniversary of his death. It is a hard time of year for us, so it was good for us to all be together. Brynn and Chris were still in Bali on their honeymoon, so we missed them. It was a weekend full of babies, games, food and laughter/tears. I love my family.

Brynn is married!

Brynn and Chris got married November 1st! It was a beautiful wedding and super fun reception. They had a live swing band and had dance instructors there that got everyone out on the dance floor. We all had a blast- we just missed dad in a big way. Brynn and Chris are honeymooning in Bali right now! I'm so jealous!

The babies are now 7 months old and are rolling over like crazy. They belly laugh at the silliest things--they are so fun! I am so in love with those little dudes.

Brian and Luigi (and Craig) are in Boise right now. They went for 4 days to go flyfishing with Bill. They are having a great guys weekend..fishing, biking, football, basketball...etc.. Heiner and I have been having a great time together. He is such a little buddy. I've totally enjoyed our quiet weekend.

6 Months!

I can't believe they are already 6 months old! It is so fun to watch them learn new things. Xander's new thing this week is blowing spit bubbles and Isaac's thing is chomping his mouth when he is hungry. They make us laugh every day--what joy they have brought to all 4 of us.

Date Day

So Brian and I finally got out for a whole day just the two of us. We took off Sat. morning halfway through Heiner's soccer game (we missed the two goals he scored 2nd half!), and headed to Brynn's. We parked there, visited Brynn and Chris and then ran to catch a bus to take us to the Husky/BYU game. Had a great time at the game and then took another bus downtown Seattle to the Cheesecake Factory. We had an amazing dinner and dessert and then found another bus back to Brynn's. All that bus riding reminded us of our days in Cancun...what fond memories we have of our 6 months there. The weather was perfect, we had each other's undivided attention, we didn't change one diaper or listen to any bickering..it really was an amazing date day..thank you Jan for taking care of all our boys for the day!!!

All is well

I just wrote a long post and it disappeared somewhere between making Xander a bottle and microwaving myself a hotdog.

In a nutshell...went to the dr. and Isaac is now 13 1/2 lbs and Xander is pushing 17 lbs! Both are healthy and great. Neither is sleeping through the night...but they are sleeping for longer stretches, so the day will come.

We went to Seabrook with my family for the weekend. We all rented a cottage and had that thing packed with baby swings, bouncers, floor mats, diaper bags and people. I can only imagine how chaotic things will be when the fab 4 start walking! It was such a cute beach town..if you haven't gone, go. I wish I had taken more pictures, but I was too busy having fun. We had slow and fast bike races, batmitten matches, PIG competitions, walks on the super foggy beach, and plenty of snuggle time with the babies. Both grandmas on my side came, so there were always enough hands to help with the 4 babies and Kai. It really was a fun get-away.

Brian's sister, Alyssa, had her baby boy on Friday! They named him Oliver James..he weighed 7 lbs 15 ozs. They live in Fairbanks, AK...we so wish they were closer so we could meet our new nephew! We are super happy for them.. get togethers on his side will be baby filled as well since his brother's wife is also expecting a boy in December!

Isaac is chewing on his fist..better go make a bottle.

All is well

Well the babies are doing well. Isaac had a check up to make sure he is gaining enough weight (not a big eater), and he is fine. He is 13 1/2 lbs now and Xander is pushing 17 lbs! They are getting so hard to carry around in their carseats!

Our family went to Seabrook over the weekend. It was so much fun! We rented a cottage and all crammed in there. We had baby swings and play gyms and bouncers in every corner of that cottage! I can only imagine when the fab 4 are walking around the chaos that we'll be in!

Wish I had taken more pictures. We had bike races (slow and fast), batmitten competitions, many games of PIG, a walk to the very foggy beach with our babies in front packs, and of course many hours of feeding and snuggling babies. What a great town..if you haven't been, it is definitely a place to check out!

Summer so far

Well, the babies had their 4 month check up a few weeks ago and they are both doing great! Xander weighed in at 13 lbs 13 ozs and Isaac at 11 lbs 9 ozs. They are both on the charts for normal 4 month olds! (Xan in the 28% and Isaac 3%) They are smiling and laughing and playing now...I love it! I've just discovered that Isaac is ticklish and actually chuckles...it is SO stinkin' cute.
We went to my dad's side family reunion a few weeks ago. It was great to see family, but hard at the same time. We are all missing dad so much, it was a definite gap in the family this year. Some highlights were the 300 ft. slip n slide, the swimming pool (Heiner was in all weekend), bb guns in the woods (Luigi), lots of cousins to help with the babies, and of course Joker, settlers of Catan and Hand n foot. We have an amazing family that has been getting together annually for at least 40 years now...I feel so blessed to have such a strong extended family.
We are going camping in Wenatchee this coming weekend. Hope the twins do well in the heat! Heiner and Luig fly home tomorrow...they have been gone for 9 days in Boise! I miss them!

Great News!

My sister Brynn and her boyfriend Chris just got engaged over the weekend! We are so happy for them...she deserves this guy, he is perfect for her.

We took the twins on their first camping trip a few weekends ago. We went to a KOA in Olympia with our dear friends, the Crothers. Thank goodness for our tent trailer! It was super hot, so the babies had a hard time sleeping during the day, but all in all did a great job.

The twins are getting chubby! Xander has to be pushing 13 lbs and Isaac is probably around 11 lbs. They are both such loves. Xander continues his love affair with food..he is quite passionate about it. Isaac is the calmest, most charming little dude. We still aren't sleeping much at night...but last night they both slept in long stretches (too bad they didn't sleep on the same long stretch!) so I think the day is coming where they can last longer through the night.

Luigi and Heiner are with my mom at her cabin for the week. I am missing my boys! The house is so quiet without them. It has been good for Brian and I to have more time together, but we will be happy when they are home again!

The Joys of the English Language

So I had Luigi call a bunch of florists today to find out how much a corsage would be for his date for the 9th grade dance. He kept coming down and asking me what it was called and I kept telling him "corsage", he'd go up and come down and ask again. Then I told him to make sure the flower would match something burgundy since that is the color of his vest and tie. So he came down a few more times asking me to repeat the color. The last time he came down and I told him "burgundy" he laughed and said, "oh man, I just told the man it was lamburghini, no wonder he was so confused!"

Man I love that kid!

Bottles and Burpcloths

I have been so bad about updating this site! The title pretty much says everything that I've been up to. The twins are growing and doing well. They are both working on double and triple chins:) They really are sweet little babies, they love to snuggle and be held (I was hoping for some snugglers!). Luigi and Heiner both did track this season and did really well. They seem to excel in anything they try. They are both also doing select soccer (pretty much year round), so practices and games are once again consuming our time.
Sometimes I look at Brian, like in the middle of the night when we are both burping babies in the nursery and I want to freeze that memory. We have waited for this for so long, it is tough work, but we know they will grow so fast and we want to savor it all.

A week and a half!

Well, we've made it over a week now. The boys are thriving, both are over 5 lbs and are eating a ton (getting faster, but still very slow!).

Indebted and Grateful

So it has almost been a full week home with both babies! We are so exhausted, but are feeling so blessed to have two healthy babies. They are such sweet little dolls. This year has been such a roller coaster...what highs and lows we've been on. Through the trials I have been reminded of what AMAZING people the Lord has placed in my life. I think of this daily and want to write a million thank you cards to all of you who have been helping us out, but as you can imagine it is hard enough to find time to take a shower! Just know that the time you have spent be it cooking us a meal, coming over to help feed the babies, taking our big boys to soccer and drivers ed and church, driving me to the hospital when I couldn't, organizing/painting the nursery etc... I am so extremely grateful. You, my friends have shown me God's love by your servants hearts. I love you all so dearly and am so thankful for you and all the kindness you guys have poured out on our family this year.

They are both doing amazing. On Friday we got a call from the hospital saying that we would be able to bring both of them home this Monday - which came as a shock to both Cami & I since we thought we were a week or two out still from receiving such news. As part of the discharge procedure with premature babies, we were asked to come in and spend the night with the babies in the hospital Saturday & Sunday night. Before we arrived to the hospital Saturday, we got a call from Isaac's nurse saying that he had a brady (an episode where the heart stops or slows down to a dangerous level) and that it would setback Isaac's homecoming to at least Wednesday. So here we are at the hospital (Sunday) ready to take Xander home tomorrow, but knowing we have to leave Isaac for a few more days. We have some mixed emotions, but Isaac has been doing great since we've been here and I'm optimistic that he'll be home with us soon.
Last night was our first with Xander here in our room - Cami & I are both now getting a sense of how crazy life is going to be at home now. But this is something that we are both excited and ready for - I wish I could show them off in person, they are cute little guys.

Breakin' all the Rules

Our twins haven't been together other than the quick picture of Brian holding both of them. They are super strict about it because they don't want them sharing any sicknesses. Our boys are really healthy, so when the nurses weren't looking we put them together. It was the sweetest thing! They snuggled right up together..they put their heads as close as they could together. I was so worried that they wouldn't know each other because they have been separated for 3 weeks, but after today I know they know each other. Aaaahhhh, it melted our hearts.

The 4 lb Club!

The twins have hit huge milestones these past few days...they moved out of their isolettes and into basinetts (yay!) and they are both at least 4 lbs! Isaac is 4 lbs even and Xander is 4 lbs 2 ozs. They are both learning how to breastfeed..as soon as they are eating on their own and consistently gaining weight, they will be coming home, so it is really encouraging that they are learning so quickly! I spend the majority of my days at the hospital either changing diapers, feeding, snuggling, or pumping. I miss Brian and my boys, it will be so nice to have the babies home so I can at least see the rest of my family more often!

The Lopez twins have arrived!

Meg and Ryan had their baby girls on Friday! She was just a few days shy of 31 weeks. Maizy Gayle was 3 lbs 3 ozs and Calla Francis weighed 2 lbs 13 ozs. They are 15 1/2 inches long:) They are so cute and are both doing really well. Meg is relieved and will be able to go home today for the first time in 2 weeks!

Our twins are doing well. They are out of the NICU and in the Intermediate Care Nursery, it is so much more comfortable! They both got off their nasal canulas last week and have been thriving this past week. Xander weighs 3 lbs 12 ozs and Isaac is up to 3 lbs 10 ozs. They are so adorable! Xander is our snoozer and Isaac is our alert, social guy. Xander seems a lot bigger to all of us, he just looks sturdy and he has a super strong grip (he loves to pull his feeding tube out). Isaac will go cross eyed trying to stay awake and focus on us, he cracks us up. It is getting harder and harder to leave them each evening. I know soon enough we will all be together, it has just been a hard few weeks on everyone. I didn't even see Heiner and Luigi for 3 days straight this week. So then I tried to stay home more than I was at the hospital yesterday and I had such a hard time being away from the babies. I am just torn in two directions right now. Please continue to pray for the babes... pray that they will continue to gain weight and that they will learn to eat on their own. Another milestone they have coming up is moving out of their isolettes and into cribs. They have to be able to maintain their own body temperature, they are getting close to being able to do it. I'll try to update this regularly, so check back in soon!

Little sweeties

Brian and I have loved being able to hold our little guys these past few days. We "kangaroo" them, meaning skin to skin for at least 2 hours. It is such good bonding time for us and it is so good for the little dudes. They are both regaining their weight (they went down from their birth weights the first week which is normal) and they are both starting to digest their food a little better. We fall more in love with them everyday....

What in the world just happened???

A week ago our lives changed forever. My water broke last Thursday night and life has been a blur since then. They tried to stop my labor with magnesim and tributalane, but it only held it off for 22 hours. I was only 31 weeks along and was terrified for their early arrival. Before I knew it I was dilated to an 8 and they were whisking me off to the OR and throwing scrubs at Brian. By the time I was in the OR I was at a 10 and no anesthesiologist in sight. Baby A was head down in position, but baby B was breach. We decided to go for a vaginal delivery despite the risks...luckily the anesthesiologist arrived in time to give me an epidural before I began to push! I pushed for a little over an hour and Xander Thomas was born at 12:06 AM. He weighed 3 lbs 11ozs and was 16 1/2 inches long. They let me look at him quickly and then rushed him to the NICU to get him help with his breathing. Bri left with him and meanwhile Dr. Lee (an amazing Dr!) was able to reach up inside of me and turn baby B into the head down position! It was a celebration in the OR (there were about 12 people in there with all the Drs and nurses). Brian came in right at that time and coached me through pushing baby B out. Isaac William arrived at 12:22 AM. He weighed 3 lbs 7 ozs and measured 16 3/4 inches long. He too had to be rushed off to the NICU- their lungs were not quite ready to greet the world. My mom was waiting outside so she and Bri went back to the NICU while I went back to the room to wait to feel my legs again. As soon as it had worn off Bri and my nurse took me down to see my babies. They were both stable, but were in their isolettes, so I couldn't touch them at all. This last week has been one big step at a time. They had to be on CPAP (the big tube thing over their noses) to help them breathe, and had to go on the jaundice lights for a few days. Because of that we couldn't hold them. Little by little they are getting stronger and they are keeping pace with each other. They both got off their CPAP the same day and moved on to the nasal canula, they both graduated from the NICU the same day and were moved upstairs to the intermediate nursery, and they both got off the lights! So that means we can finally hold our sweet little angels. I really can't put it into words how I felt when I finally got to hold them. I get teary eyed just thinking of them and the love that I feel for them. Brian and I feel so incredibly blessed that they are so healthy for being so early. They still have a long road ahead of them (could be anywhere from another month to two months) before they can come home, but I am trying to remember this is temporary. I ache for them when I'm not with them and I absolutely can't wait to see them each day. My friends have been amazing, taking me to the hospital every day (I can't drive until my iron levels get back up there) and Bri will meet me out in the evening to spend time with them and then take me home. Our big boys have been coming out in the evenings, but Luigi has been sick and hasn't been able to come back with us. Heiner is a pro at taking their temperatures and loves to hold their hands--it is too precious. Meg is on strict hospital bedrest at TG right now doing everything she can to keep her twin girls inside for as long as possible. It has been so fun for me to spend time with her, go pump, go see my babies, go see Meg, go pump, go see my babies..That has been my life this last week. I have been in this alternate reality--I still can't believe they are here. I thank God every day that He has watched over them and that He brought them here safely to us. I also have no doubt my dad is hovering over his newest grandsons making sure they are protected, I just wish he could really be here in person to share this time with us. I miss him so much right now it physically hurts. Thank you for your continued prayers over our family at this time! We are so grateful for all of you and the overwhelming love and support you have given us.

The Devereux Babies are Big!

I had another appt. today where they measured the babies. Baby A is measuring 3 lbs 11ozs and baby B is 3 lbs. 9 ozs! We are so happy to hear they are healthy and everything is looking good with me still too. They always measure my tummy to see what week I am measuring (if I were carrying one) and today I was measuring at week 40--full term:) I will be 31 weeks on Thursday. I have been so blessed by my friends, whether it be bringing me a cup of coffee and sitting on my couch for hours with me, to organizing our nursery, to taking me to Target and not completely laughing at me on the motorized scooter, to stopping by with a surprise dinner for our family...I feel so lucky to have such friends. Thank you all so much for your endless love and support you've shown us.
Bri's dad, Bill, flew in from Boise for the weekend. It was so fun for all of us to have him here. It warmed my heart to hear him laughing with my boys all weekend long. We went to the zoo-thanks again Brynn!- and Brian pushed me around in a wheelchair. Of course I ran into a few of my former students (so embarrassing)! I don't think Brian realized how hilly Pt. Defiance is, he was seriously out of breath trying to push me up the last hill. I know to cherish this "bedrest" time, but I do have to say it is going to feel so good to walk as much as I want again!!! Plus I am getting really excited to hold our little guys...5 more weeks.

Still indecisive!

Ok, now we are liking the name Xavier again.... I put a poll on here for you to vote on your favorite name....just scroll down through the pictures to find it. We like them both...let us know your preference (just for fun:) )

Getting closer!

This past week we have been showered with so much love! My dear friends all got together and planned a beautiful shower for the twins..it was such a special day for me! We have waited for this for so long, it has made everything all the more exciting. A few days after that shower my colleagues had shower for us...we are so blessed to have so much support!

A few weeks ago the babies were measuring 2lbs 9 oz and 2 lbs 8 oz, they are in the 78% and 76% percentile--we are so happy they are big and healthy! My tummy is impressive, strangers think I'm due any day now...they are always shocked when I tell them I have 7 more weeks to go! Our whole family is getting anxious for their arrival, we are all just so excited!

So Indecicive!

So when Brian and I first got Braxton we actually named him "Moab". We called him "Moab" for the first few days we had him, but both of us decided that we didn't like how it sounded, so we changed his name to Braxton. So since we know ourselves so well, we decided on our babies' names (Xander and Xavier) and have been referring to them to practice how it "feels". We were pretty sure (sure enough to have their names on shower invitations!), but I have been having doubts about the name Xavier and so I asked Bri how he was feeling about it and he has been having the same thoughts! We have both been thinking individually that we both really prefer the name Isaac....so Isaac it is now:) I'll let you know if that changes anytime soon!

Other news...Luigi fractured his ankle at his final wrestling tournament. He is in a walking boot for the next 5 weeks! Luckily we are in between sports seasons right now. He should be better by soccer and track time. He is taking it all in stride, he really doesn't let things get to him too much! (although he was bummed to not get to use his seasons snowboarding pass!)

I had my last day of work on Monday. My Dr. wants me to take it super easy to avoid any premature labor. With twins, it is always a risk. So far, everything is going really well with the pregnancy, I just have to change my lifestyle for the next few months. I'll be on the couch a LOT!

January 2008

All is well in the Devereux household. I'm growing super fast, so I've slowed down a lot. My boys and Bri have been picking up my slack. The Dr. says all is well with the twins, they are getting big! Baby A is 1.2 lbs and baby B is 1.3 lbs. They are super active--I'm loving that part of it! I'm finishing off the semester, but then will be laying low for the next few months. The goal is to hold off delivery until mid-April, so we are doing everything we can to slow down and keep them with me and not in the NICU!



Luigi finished his wrestling season 8-1. He is a tough kid! Heiner is Heiner...chipper and happy for the majority of the time. Both have been helping paint the nursery..getting ready for their little brothers:)