Christmas Card Photos

Last weekend, Jonathan and I decided we would take some pictures of the boys for our Christmas Card (don't worry friends...You haven't received them because I haven't sent them out yet!). We started by putting the boys on their stomachs under the tree. But they kept rolling over. After about 15 minutes we gave up and moved the boys into their bumbos. But then they kept looking at each other, the tree, the gifts, the dog....everywhere but the camera!!!! It was too funny. Here are some of the mess ups:

Merry Christmas!

What's going on

Here's what's going on:

1. Both boys have become rolly pollies. They roll around in their cribs and will not stay on their tummies (which made taking Christmas card photos pretty insane...I'll have a different post on that later.)

2. After the rice-oatmeal-barley cereal regime, we've upped the anty to sweet potatoes. Zach loves them. Jonah...not so much. But we'll keep trying...

3. Neither boy particularly likes the bottle anymore, which makes getting out and about a little more difficult. It's been a daily struggle to get them to take one. Again, we'll keep trying...

4. We finally had to separate the boys for naptime and at night. Each one has their own crib. Jonah kept snuggling his head into Zach's armpit and waking up his brother. Zach, who didn't really appreciate the rogue-cuddling, would flap his arms in protest and then wake up Jonah. In the end, we had two screaming babies. It didn't take too many times for mom and dad to realize this just wasn't going to work.

5. There are lots of smiles, laughing, and general merriment these days. They boys love to play and especially love to be read to. I can't believe it - just 5 months and they listen to me intently if I read to them! So far we've read about baby Jesus, the Tawney Scrawney Lion, and a host of other characters.

We recently had our Christmas/white elephant exchange at UBC for the young marrieds. It was a hoot. See pics below!

Sunday Pics

Here are some new pics! Enjoy!

We've Got Problems...

I laughed when Mr. Deming said it, not knowing how true it was! During Thanksgiving weekend, we decided that Zach's comb-over hair do was, perhaps, not the most flattering. In fact, the boys have sported a bevy of hairstyles since their birth.

Zach was born with a full head of hair. Here he is in the NICU, a few days after he was born.

Both boys eventually grew faux hawks - which we thought were adorable:

It didn't matter which way we combed it, it kept sticking up! Case in point: see below photo.

Then Jonah began loosing his hair...

which was quickly replaced with new growth. (Jonah is on the left).



Then Zach began loosing his hair, which was not quickly replaced with new growth. In fact, here's the best pic I've got of the aforementioned comb-over:


So, thanksgiving weekend, we finally decided to give Zachy his first haircut. Dad did the honors and I have to admit that although it looks so much better, I did feel a pang of sadness. Zach instantly looked older!

Another by-product of the barbery was that both boys looked identical!!!! This is what prompted Mr. Deming to say..."Oh, we've got problems..." Everytime we mix up the boys, we jokingly repeat those prophetic words. Just so you know, since thanksgiving I've confused the boys three times! Me! Their mother! I can't help but mentally fastforward to the fifth grade when the boys realize one can take the other's math quiz for him. Life will certainly be interesting! By then I'm sure I'll be close to a psychotic break so I won't be blogging much. You'll have to read about the boys' antics in the newspaper, when one gets a speeding ticket and tries to blame it on his brother.

Not sure how I got on that subject, weren't we talking about hair?

The Multiples Club

During thanksgiving weekend, we were able to visit with Greg and Misty Mathews. Greg and Jonathan went to high school together in Houston. The Mathews have Cayden (5) and a set of adorable triplet girls (Addison, Emery, and Harper). We had so much fun visiting with them and laughing over multiple antics. Greg prepared us for our upcoming holiday trip to NC for Christmas and gave us tips on flying with multiples. Cayden made a best friend in our dog, Kozy, and the girls went gaga over juice boxes provided by Mrs. Deming.

Happy Thanksgiving!

For the boys' first thanksgiving, we traveled to Houston to celebrate the holiday with Jonathan's family. We had such a great time introducing the boys to their great-grandparents and Uncle Dave! Zach and Jonah loved getting held by Nannie and Papooh and playing with their Aunt Katherine and Uncle Chris. Here are some of the highlights from the weekend.

Rice Cereal

Today the boys ate rice cereal for the first time! It was so funny. We couldn't tell if they liked it or hated it. There were far more grimaces than smiles...

Zach is below:

Here is Jonah:

Bumbo Days!

It's hard to believe the boys are already 19 weeks old - they are almost five months! Here are some pics I took today and thought I'd share. Their cheeks keep getting fatter and fatter. You can't help but eat them up!

Meltdown Mania

Jonathan recently took some pictures of the me with the boys. I am including more than I'm sure anyone wants to see, but I thought the progression toward meltdown mode was funny. Plus, it gives everyone at home an idea of how fast the progession occurs. Enjoy!

sauteed hot dogs

On Veteran's Day, Jonathan and I had a few families over from the young marrieds class at UBC. We were excited to have an actual 'event' at our house - the first one since I discovered I was pregnant last November! We decided to keep it easy and serve chili dogs. How easy is that? Well, it wasn't until our hungry guests arrived that we discovered our grill didn't work!!!! So, Jonathan came to the rescue and cooked the hot dogs on our stovetop. They actually turned out really good! Yum! Here are some pics!

Scrapbook Pages

I recently discovered digital scrapbooking and created these pages from quick page templates. See the wonderful world of http://www.weedsandwildflowersdesign.com/ for ideas and downloads).

Going with the Flow

Taking care of twins means creating a strategy for every single task. Bathing, feeding, diaper changing, waketime, going to the grocery store...it all requires a carefully planned out system. This ensures no one gets left out, or worse, left behind. For instance, Zach always gets picked up first when we are feeding. For diapers, Jonah always gets changed first and bathing....well...when we get a bath we are pretty proud.

But when an event occurs that throws our system out of whack, mom tends to have a breakdown. For instance, I recently burned my hand while cooking dinner. Thank goodness Jonathan was on his way home from work. He swooped in like Superman and took over the boys who were screaming in their cribs and finished dinner. Although we got my hand wrapped up and taken care of, we quickly realized all of our little systems for life were compromised. None of our systems worked when mom only had one operable hand. With Jonathan there, it was no problem; however, I was anxious about the next day when he would have to go to work leaving me with 2 four-month-old babies and only one hand to take care of them with. Before he left for work, we quickly worked out some new systems for me. And although everything took twice as long, I am proud to say that I was able to pick them up, feed them, diaper them, and play with them...all with one hand! (However, no one got a bath that day...not even mom.)

Two days later, you can't even tell my hand was burned, and the boys haven't missed a beat. But mom is pretty proud. Although I'm not planning on picking up any more hot pans, I now know how to adjust my systems to roll with some of life's punches. After all, the biggest adjustment came when our family grew from two to four members in 9 months. I guess that's what you call, "going with the flow."

16 Weeks

The boys have started doing “twin” things now. They still share a crib, but now when I go in to get them up in the morning I find that they have scooted together so that their feet touch. Because one is usually crying I’m not sure if they like this or not. But each morning this is the state that find them in. (Notice Zach is almost completely out of his swaddle on the right. We call him hoodini).

They’ve also started to talk to each other. For about a month, they have been cooing at me or at Jon. Their entire faces light up when they talk. But every once in a while they will smile at each other and coo at each other. It is so cute I can’t help but laugh out loud at them. And of course Mom’s freakishly loud laugh breaks the spell…

15 Weeks (Almost!)

14 Weeks

13 Weeks

Professional Photos

We quickly realized that we didn't really have what it takes to capture professional photos, contrary to what we told ourselves a couple of months ago. So we got Alecia from www.dearcharliphotography.com to come out. She was amazing, took some great shots and really knew what she was doing. Needless to say the results were 10x better than what we were attempting to do on our own. Here are some of our favorites... Which are your faves?

2 Months Old with Dad

Week 12

Boogers and Bad Clothes

Okay. So, there are certain things I vowed I would never do as a mother. And as of yesterday, I've broken all three of those vows.

First, I vowed I would never let my kids go around with boogers hanging out of their noses. I mean, honestly, how long does is it take to get a hanky out of your pocket and wipe them down? So, now that I have twins I actually have an answer to that question. Five minutes - depending on how many you're holding (one or two) and where you are (in public or in the privacy of the house) and where the wipees are located (upstairs or in the diaper bag). So, that's five minutes I really don't have. And to be completely forthcoming, as long as the kids are breathing at the end of the day I feel like a successful mother.

Second, I vowed I would never leave the house looking like the typical new mom - an unkempt basketcase. I mean, how hard is it to take a quick shower, blow dry your hair, and slap on some mascara? Once again, I have an answer for that. Impossible. It is practically impossible to look anything other than a transient as I shuffle the boys to doctor's appointments, etc. In fact, halfway through one pediatrician appointment, I realized I hadn't even brushed my teeth. That is so sad. I'm sure my doctor was. And the fact that I am still wearing baggy maternity clothes obviously doesn't help my overall style factor.

Third, I vowed I would never let my pristine, perfectly arranged house become a storage bin for all forms of baby toys. I mean, is it really that difficult to keep the baby things in one room? To answer the question, I will simply tell you: I currently have three baby contraptions in my living room and I won't even begin to count the number of bottles, drying racks, and sterilizers I have in my kitchen. And that's just the downstairs. So, yes, it is difficult to stick to any plan of design segregation.

So. Bring on the boogers, bad clothes, and over-run living rooms. I'm happy. I'm a new mom.

8 Weeks

Tales from the Crib II

Jonathan swears this is what happens every time I leave the house. No sooner than I drive out of the garage, do the little buggers start screaming. However, Dad can now wield a pacifier like a pro.

6.5 Weeks and Growing

We know the boys are gaining weight, but it is always fun to compare. Look at these photos:

The above photo was taken the day we came home from the hospital. The boys averaged 5-and-a-half pounds each, but they didn't even fill up their car seats. In fact, the ride home was bumpy and their heads kept knockin' around the seats - which scared mom a little. And yes...we do think that Zach (on the right) is giving us the Mr. Spock hand signal, which is weird considering that neither of us are trekkies.

The above photo was taken before going to the boys' 6-week checkup, at which they weighed just over 8 pounds each. Their heads still knock around a bit in the car seats, but we try not to shake them too much (Just kidding everyone). Zach is on the left and Jonah is on the right. Dad wanted everyone to notice how much more the boys are beginning to look alike. Their profiles are almost identical! Identical twins looking identical???? Uncanny.

6 Weeks

Our boys may be small, but they've got big appetites!

We went to the doctor today and found out that our boys have grown. Zach is now 8 lbs 2 oz and Jonah has pulled ahead slightly to 8 lbs 4 oz. We're so proud of them and can't believe they've grown so much in such a short time. Mom and Dad celebrated after the appointment by stopping by Starbucks on the way home.

Here's a pic of them during their "tummy time." Jonah is on the left and Zach is on the right.

Tales from the Crib

For the last two nights, the boys have slept for four hours straight! We are delighted - who knew that sleep in a four-hour block could be so heavenly!? Probably the parents of newborns. So far, sleep deprivation has been the biggest hazard to having twins. Once we finally cajole one into falling asleep, the other one inevitably wakes up and the cycle begins again. However, we are lucky that the babies don't wake each other up. Their time in the NICU conditioned them to block out loud noises...say the screams of an unhappy brother. Hence, the photo sequence below. (Jonah is on the left and Zach is on the right):

Mom: Ahhhhhh, the sweet sound of a lullaby...

Dad: Wait, I think I hear something...

Mom: Let's hope it was the dog...

Dad: No, that was definately one of the boys.

Mom: Yep. Jonathan...I think it's your turn...

Note: Our favorite part of these photos is Jonah (on the left). Oh how we wish we could sleep so soundly. I recently asked a veteran mother when we could expect to sleep through the night again. To which she replied: "When they turn 18." Great!

Our Due Date!

Today is 08.08.08 ... our actual due date!

Our shirts say: "If you think I'm cute, you should see my twin!"

Jonah is on the left and Zach is on the right

5 Weeks

Hi Everyone!
Here we are at five weeks! Look how big we've grown since getting out the NICU!

Here's the breakdown:

Favorite Activities: Eating, napping, having daddy hold us, getting our heads scrubbed with warm water, grunting, and...we left the best for last...screaming our little heads off at 2:30 a.m.

Favorite Outfits: Anything with zippers (they're easier to operate at 2:30 a.m. when we are screaming).

Favorite Guests: Anyone who will hold us until we fall asleep - including but not limited to: Grammy and Grandad, Nana and Papooh, Mom and Dad (of course), and Donna Collis (who recently babysat while mom went to the doctor). We are looking forward to being held by lots of other guests when our doctor lifts the health ban! Until then, we can only dream about all rocking and cuddling we'll get!

Two Weeks Old

Two Weeks Old and at Home!!!

35 Weeks

Zacharias King Deming, 5lbs. 4oz.
Jonah Joseph Deming, 5lbs. 1oz.
Born on July 2, 2008

34 Weeks

Almost There

That's what I keep telling Melissa, almost there - you can do it. The title says 34 weeks because that is when these pictures were taken, but she is almost at 35 weeks now and doing great. We have a hunch that the babies weigh around 6 pounds each now and will find out at the doctor today. Melissa is actually very uncomfortable now but remaining in good spirits and we are both getting increasingly excited. Here is a photo of Melissa last week out front by our thriving Ruella plant. I say "thriving" to poke fun at my parents who got the same plant only to find it devoured by deer the next morning. They are remaining in good spirits despite the loss...

The boy's room is complete as you can see in the following photos. The changing table was hand-made by Melissa's Dad. He planed the wood and spent many hours making it - we just love it. The changing table top is removable so that later we can just use it as a chest of drawers. Beautiful - the craftsmanship is phenomenal. With the room all ready to go, we are just missing the boys now, so as you can see we had some fun with the orange fish stuffed animals...




To close it out, I wanted to include a photo taken in 1889 of the Wakeman Twins. Alfred Wakeman was my great grandfather on my Mom's side of the family. To tell you the truth, the fact that he was a twin did not sink in my whole life until we found out that we were having twins. Now it has sort of a special meaning and importance to me...

31 Weeks

Fun With Twins Outfits

Melissa is doing great, as you can see here at 31 weeks. The boys are going great too, already estimated at weighing over 4lbs. each. To put it in perspective, 4lbs. x 2 + the weight of an extra amniotic sac = one uncomfortable Melissa. Now on to the preparation for the boys. We wanted to share with you some of our favorite outfits so far. Please be sure to cast your vote in the "Cutest Outfit" section.

29 Weeks

Baby Shower Fun

Yesterday, Melissa and the boys attended a baby shower given by several of her girlfriends at church. We were overwhelmed by all of the thoughtful gifts given to us by friends and family. Melissa's favorite gift was the matching outfits that said "Double Trouble" on the front (thanks Gloria) and my fave by far were the Spurs jerseys given by Craig and Amanda. By the way, the boys liked the cake and punch; subsequently were kicking all night long.

- Jonathan

28 Weeks

If Only William Paley Had a Sonogram Machine

If William Paley could tag along to our doctor’s visits, I think he would be very pleased with himself. The 19th century British apologist popularized the teleological argument for the existence of God, indicating that the presence of design in nature demanded the existence of an intelligent Designer outside natural phenomenon.

So far, the multiplicity of sonograms have proved to be our favorite part of pregnancy. They have offered shocking insight to the early stages of development – proving that the two little boys whooping it up in my belly possess both life and personhood. During our first visit to the doctor, the twins looked anything but human. We could only make out two little dots blinking on and off. But by 12 weeks, we could see two fully- formed profiles. In fact, during the same visit, the doctor suggested that Baby A was sucking his thumb (see pictures we posted at week 12). Not long after our 12 week visit, sonograms gave these first-time parents a glimpse at the personalities of our babies that still proves true at 28 weeks (see week 15 posting). But even at 6 weeks, Jonathan and I didn’t need sonogram pictures to convince us of the existence and significance of the two little babies inside me. What our eyes were unable to understand, our hearts already knew.

At 28 weeks, our amazement at the early display of design inside me has only increased with the results of each sonogram. Below are images taken yesterday, two of which are regular ultrasound images and two of them are 3D. Although the shots are not very clear (Baby B’s head obscures Baby A’s face and Baby B is hiding his face with his hand), we were thrilled to have the opportunity to have a closer peek at the kids and discover they have doubled in size (2 lb 11 oz and 2 lb. 7 oz., respectively).

In the same century that Charles Darwin was putting the finishing touches on his macroevolutionary theory, Paley identified the Designer of his teleological argument as the God of the Bible. I wonder if the outcome of science would have been different had Darwin had a sonogram machine? To be sure, Darwin knew nothing about genetic information theory that we know today (the fact that DNA carries intelligently coded information), but both men sought answers to the origin of life - one man classifying humanity as a highly successful animal and the other identifying humanity with a divine destiny.

And whether you believe in an Ultimate Reality or naturalism, sonograms have one big fat unintentional implication. Science confirms that human life demonstrates a beautiful design in its initial stage - whether it is a collection of intelligently-coded cells at conception, blinking lights at 6 weeks, or fully-formed babies with fully-developed personalities at 12 weeks. Life begins at the earliest stage possible and in the most specific and complex way. Surely both Paley and Darwin would have loved to have seen that.

26.5 Weeks

Several of our friends have recently introduced babies into the world that look just like their fathers. (See links to the Douglass blog and Team Huntley blog on the right). Even a few hours after birth, the resemblance is undeniable. And after looking at some of Jonathan's baby pictures, I can't help but visualize my boys looking like their father. The above photo was taken when Jon was 6.5-years-old. We know that eye-color, hair color, and body type are all up for grabs. But there is one physical attribute that you definately can take to the bank - these boys will enjoy a lifetime of slathering on sunscreen to protect their fair (or unfair, depending on how you see it) skin.

But in the event that the boys do inherit Jonathan's facial features and long legs, here are some more photos for fun.

1977 - Mr. Deming holding Jonathan (above)

Jonathan and his sister, Katherine (above)

1984 - Deming Family Portrait in Holland (above)

1990 - Deming Family Portrait (above)

25 Weeks

Another Visit to the Doctor

Some of you might be wondering why we are posting so many ultrasound pictures. Well, one reason is that we are really excited. The other reason is that since we are having twins, we have to go in for an unbelievable amount of ultrasound checkups - every three weeks, more often than that later on. Now that we have that out of the way, on to the latest report: This was one of our best doctor's visits yet - we both felt really good about things and the babies looked good. They each weigh 1lb. 9 oz. which we are told is right on schedule. Cross section views through their heads reveal that their skulls are 6cm wide and 8cm deep. Heartbeats remain in the 150s. Highlights as follows: Mom almost fainted because there was too much pressure on her back at one point, Baby A was trying to suck his thumb and Baby B had the hiccups. Mom felt so uncomfortable, but was elated to see the babies which made her feel better. Watching baby B hiccup inside of the womb in real time was really amazing to witness. As you can see from the ultrasound pictures, they seem to have really similar features - their identical nature is becoming a reality. See what you think!!!

24 Weeks

NESTING IN THE SPRINGTIME!!

We have been feverishly preparing the room for the boys and wanted to share progress (even though still 3 months away from the babies). Walls and ceiling have been painted. Crown molding added, two cribs put together and rocking chair purchased. Still must add artwork, changing table to opposite wall, window coverings, etc. Will re-post when any dramatic changes take place as we approach lift-off.

23 Weeks

Poll Results Are In…
But we may need a recount!

After a few short months the Deming-Hair-Color poll has officially closed, and the results are in. Out of 34 votes, red won the day with a landslide victory of 70 percent of the total vote. Blonde hair secured the runner-up position with 14 percent, while brown hair edged in close behind with 11 percent. For the lone person who voted for black hair, you still might find yourself the unwitting victor. A near decade of highlighting my hair is probably to be included in the poll’s margin of error. However, as the photos below indicate, I was born with a full head of black hair. So, for all those who think Jonathan’s genes are going to carry the day…we’d hate to get your hopes up. Although Jonathan’s DNA produced twins, it may not necessarily guarantee red hair! As you can see from the photos below, it’s still anyone’s game…

22 Weeks

Easter greetings from the Demings...

20.25 Weeks

For all of you who were wondering
what Melissa looks like now...
Click on image below to enlarge

20 Weeks

The Coffee Gene: Myth or Reality?

Today I experienced my first coffee craving. And not for just any cup of coffee, but the French-press kind of coffee. You know, the kind of coffee that cannot be reproduced or even imitated from a drip machine. The kind that requires freshly ground beans. In short, I was craving some real bean juice.

The craving was quite unexpected. In fact, after a five-month aversion, I was beginning to think I had overcome my coffee addiction. No such luck. Kozy and I spent the afternoon on the back porch, enjoying the spring weather when it hit. I was preparing for mid-terms, reading a book. My pre-pregnancy study ritual always included a cup of coffee (although now that I think about it, most of my rituals coincided with some java). So, it could be that old habits die hard, i.e., reading = the need for coffee.

It has been surprisingly easy to attribute such similar cravings to the boys. For instance, I’m 100 percent sure that Baby B has asked for Sonic’s cherry-limeades a time or two. And I’m as equally certain that Baby A particularly enjoys fresh fruit of all varieties (except HEB’s Chilean grapes. I think he’s holding out for the summer harvest). So, it is possible that I can blame my recent and sudden coffee craving on one of the twins?

For those of you who don’t know, coffee appreciation is embedded in my DNA. The King family can turn any occasion into a coffee occasion. This was confirmed on a recent trip home, when I discovered my father was on a first-name basis with all the Starbucks baristas within a 20-mile radius of their home. And I’m just as confident that the boys have inherited the coffee gene from the Deming family. Mr. Deming has turned brewing coffee into an art form by learning how to roast his own beans. But during the first part of my pregnancy, even his Terrazu Costa Rican blend couldn’t tempt me.

Call me what you will: coffee fanatic, enthusiast, or addict. But I think the twins have already jumped on the coffee train.