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…