Pictures of Caius and Lucas

The proud grandparents, Nana and Grampa!

Give a Big Welcome to...

The twins have arrived!!

Meet...

Caius Shane

and

Lucas Stephen

From an email that Nana sent:

JoAnne had two healthy boys early evening today, July 7. She had them naturally - no C Section!! Caius Shane (the 'ai' has a long 'i' sound)was born at 5:56 PM weighing in at 6 lbs 13 oz. Lucas Stephen came along at 6:12 PM weighing 5 lbs 15 oz. You can do the math to see how much baby weight JoAnne was carrying. She was at 38 weeks today, which we all think was totally amazing. She was VERY large. She had to be induced today, but thankfully the babies were pretty close to being ready to be born. The labor was not difficult. JoAnne only pushed for 20 minutes to birth both of them 18 minutes apart. She and Shane are very thankful. At this time I only know Lucas's length, which was 19.4". He was feeding when we got there and then he was measured. Caius was feeding when we left, and hadn't been measured yet.

It is looking like JoAnne and the boys will be able to come home Friday morning if all goes well. They are not certain at this point if they are identical. They do not look like Kaleb. They have fair skin and light peach fuzz hair. We will go up to the hospital and spend the morning there. Kaleb is stll rather clueless. For those of you who don't know, he is 21 months old. He was more interested in the crackers on Mommies tray and the lights on the ceiling. He did find a bit of mommies tummy through the covers to poke .

Pray for Mango and Guava

Today is the day JoAnne (Joel's Sister) and Shane are to have their twins. Their appt is at 8:30 Mountain Time (9:30 CST) Please pray for them.

Here is a family photo with their 20 mo old son, Kaleb.

Four Weeks

Madelynn is four weeks old today! She is in size 1 diapers now (a step up from the newborn size). She wears cloth during the day. She is losing the "newborn" look and becoming chubbier. I wish I had a weight for you, but I don't. I'm guessing over 9 lbs.

During her second week Madelynn spit up through her nose. Three times. One of those times was because of a sneeze. Yes I laughed. Even though I had to change my shirt afterwards.

Joshua and Rachel are going to try something new today. They put the pool at the bottom of the slide and we are waiting for the water to warm up. Guess what they are going to do after their nap today? Yahoo-ey!

The Ferris Wheel of Motherhood.

In a moment like this my anger becomes a mist and all I can see is the bright light in your eyes. You're telling me something. Something special to you. I try to listen to make it special to me. I am told these years go by quickly, yet everyday is long.

In a moment like this my frustration is no longer tangible. Your laughter, so full of love and light, shames my worry and I become silent. I am told to enjoy my children, yet I feel as though I am always angry.

In a moment like this I don't feel quite so tired anymore. Your eyes stare into mine, eyes full of trust and need. The smell of your head calms my heart and I relax.

I hold you, you look at me. I smile yet my eyes wander to the outside. I see people, rushing, cars, in a hurry. The world is going, leaving, never staying. Am I missing something? I sit here, staying. Will I resent you?

Just last night I yelled at God about Him making me a mother. It's so hard, God. I hate it. Everyday is the same. Every night I am tired.

Yet in a moment like this I hardly remember, hardly remember when the wheel was so low. You are telling me something special again. The wheel is lifting. Will I get to the top? You laugh and tell me you love me. I feel wretched for yelling at you, but the guilt subsides as you grab my hand and say “up please.”

Your arms around my neck, my face in your shoulder, I feel grateful. Grateful to God for making me a Mother. Right now anyway.

-An Anonymous Mother