Some new stuff

In the spirit of getting ready for 2 babies, it was time to buy some stuff. Call it the "Darragh Economic Stimulus Package".

First, a stroller. I am one for quality, and refuse to buy garbage. Garbage is a waste of money, and eventually I buy the good one anyone. So, after much research, hands-on-testing, and deliberation, we settled on a stroller:

From new stuff

The seats are highly configurable. Both forward, back, or facing each other. They recline and the foot rests adjust. It is pretty maneuverable, and even has cup holders. This should last 2+ years.

The next purchase, new windows for the drafty house. Our house is over 50 years old and has terrible insulation. The old windows has a negative R factor I think. New windows, from Port Orchard Glass, really make a difference. Hopefully, the heating bill will show this too.

From new stuff

From new stuff

Life must be documented, right? We had a little point-and-shoot digital camera. Even before kids I was frustrated with it. So, a new camera was in the works. A Canon SX10 is. Not quite SLR, but not far off. It has great reviews, and I've enjoyed using it so far. Image stabilization, 20x optical zoom, and a complete set of manual settings, plus a great auto setting made this an easy choice.



Finally, the crib. Stephanie's dad, Rick, does amazing work. He made our bedroom set, dining room table, a cedar chest... just beautiful We now have an equally beautiful crib awaiting our precious daughters. Mom and grandma are so proud! Putting this in the room really brought it home. Tomorrow, Steph will be 24 weeks. In 3 months or less our little crib will have some long awaited occupants! I'll take their picture, we'll go for a walk, and enjoy the draft-free, cozy bedroom. I can't wait.

From new stuff

From new stuff

Creating Special Times

When I was a kid, one of my favorite things was spending time with just one of my parents - just me time. One particular memory is from 4th grade when my dad took me to breakfast at Denny's and gave me a Cub Scout pocket knife. These little, special memories are very important to me. Recently, watching Jon & Kate plus 8, we noticed they do a special day for each one of their kids. So, before I forget, here are some things I am looking forward to doing with my two girls.

- Dinner with dad at McDonalds (Happy Meal on me)
- Looking under rocks during low tide (maybe too yucky?).
- Something special, based on their interest - zoo, boat ride... we'll just have to see!
- Pancake breakfast, before mom gets up on a Saturday.
- Friday night movie night.
- "Camping" in the backyard
- "Camping" in the house
- Cooking together

Anyway, just a start. I guess after all the diapers and sleepless days/nights, eventually this stuff will start happening. I want to make sure I don't forget some of the things I've been thinking about.

Baby Stuff

Stephanie and I spent several hours at the oh-most-magnificent-and-venerable Babies 'R' Us in Tacoma today. It is time to start making that amazing baby registry list. We spent several hours there, and I actually learned quite a bit. I pinched my finger in a stroller pretty good trying to close the darn thing, but I eventually got it. Bottles, bibs, car seats, high chairs, play-pens (cages?), there is a lot. I looked at Steph at one point and said, "It is like we're climbing Mt. Everest in a couple of months, and we have to get a list of supplies, without really knowing what we need." Yeah, something like that. Anyway, we made a pretty comprehensive list by the time we left. When we got home, I ordered a great double stroller online, and expect it soon.

In the past week I have been able to feel the babies move on the outside. Mom has been able to feel them move for quite sometime, and it is really special for me to finally feel the two girls do flips and flops. Sometimes it is like a little dance party in there! Tonight, Stephanie actually saw someone move - their hand or elbow went right across her tummy! Wow! It is just amazing how quickly things are moving along.

Doublemint gum anyone?

Today we went in for a very thorough ultrasound at the UW Medical Center. It was for some follow up, just to make sure everything is progressing well with the babies. I am starting to understand to worry of being a parent - it just never seems to go totally away. The ultrasound went great and everyone is doing really well. The biggest piece of news is that we are expecting two girls, who will most likely be identical twins! I never, ever thought I would be a dad of twins. It really never crossed my mind, and now identical! The odds are about 1/285.

It is interesting to think about the future. Some twins develop their own language... that would be cool, to a point. I wonder how their relationship will be different than sisters who aren't twins? No one has twins in either family, so many questions will be answered in due time.

The ultrasound pictures are amazing this time. They look more and more like little people every time.

A True Blessing

In a few months my life will change forever, and I couldn't be more excited. I haven't written much, but feel that I need to start documenting our experience.

In early September, Stephanie surprised me with a small card. I had just come home from work and suspected something was up. She was busy in the office printing and cutting... making something crafty. A few minutes later she emerged with a goofy smile and handed me the small card. I had a hunch, and asked, "Are you pregnant?" "Open the card!" She says! I sat down, opened the card, and sure enough - it was wonderful news!

That whole evening was quite a roller coaster of emotions for me. Can I be a dad? Am I really prepared and responsible enough? Will I have enough patience? How will this affect our marriage.... On and on, my mind was reeling with questions and doubts... But at the foundation of it all is the faith Stephanie and I share, and our strong marriage. By the time I went to bed I was on cloud 9.

It wasn't long before we had our first ultrasound in Silverdale. This was in preparation for the first of many OB appointments. It took a little while, but soon the little bean appeared on the monitor. The tech pointed our little baby out, then got real quiet. I thought I saw something more on there, and just that moment he labeled the first bean "A", and then moved the cursor and labeled another little bean "B"! I asked, "Is there more than one?" He replied, "Congratulations, you're expecting twins!"

There was also a student in the room from the local college. I think this was the first time he'd seen this happen. I was standing up, and everyone asked me to sit down, I think I looked a little white!

That moment was probably the most surprising, shocking, and best moment of my life. Steph and I walked out, hand in hand to the parking lot. We just looked at each other with tears of happiness in our eyes. I said, "We can do this." From that moment on, I've known that it is going to be great. We can do it, it will be wonderful!

I called my mom, asked her to sit down, and told her the news. She didn't believe me at first! It took a few times repeating the news for it to sink in. She was thrilled. My dad was in Portland, and when I told him he was very excited! He is very proud will be a great grandpa for our babies.

Babies A and B have been growing steadily and mom is doing great. We are expecting them this spring, and I know time will pass very quickly. More to come!