Happy Holidays!

Hi everyone!

Well the holiday season is here! Whoo HOOOOOO!

I'm sipping on a nice hot cup of apple cider while typing this. We just got back inside from the cold December rain while setting up our Christmas lights; for the second time. I hung the lights 2 weeks ago, but didn't test them until they were all installed. Wouldn't you know it that 3/4 of all the lights were out.

The latest news is that both kids are MOBILE! Ahhhh. Kristina has just learned to crawl this week. Kristina has also learned to shimmy, while standing up, along all walls, tables, chairs, and the like. She still isn't as fast as Tyler, though. Sheesh, you take your eyes off Tyler for a minute and you know he's into something he shouldn't. One has to listen for that guilty little giggle, and then you know for sure. He loves moss from the house plants and the dog water dish. Catch him late with the water and he'll need a change of clothes. Tyler will shimmy along stuff too, but he is much faster at crawling.

We think Kristina will be the first to walk. She manages to fall/stumble between Amy and I, while remaining on her feet. You'll see on the video below.

The kids are growing so fast. They are now wearing 18M clothes at 11 months old. They each have 4 teeth. Kristina weighs in at 23 lbs and Tyler is at 21 lbs.

Amy is feeling better than she has in a long time. She didn't realize just how uncomfortable she has been for such a long time. Who needs a galbladder anyway?

The biggest news for me is that I now have a new provider for our websites. If you hadn't noticed, there aren't any more ads. Hurray. There was a time when the site wasn't coming up. That was the enough for me to change providers. I'm working on some custum applications for thevincentfamily.com. I now have a gallery, and a wiki. Http://www.thevincentfamily.com/gallery/ and http://www.thevincentfamily.com/wiki/.

In addition to that, I've started work on http://DVMONLINE.com. Next year I'll be starting a LLC and perhaps get things started with a few possible clients. First things first, I have to write the software. Enough business...

Enjoy the photos!

Our x-mas letter is in the editing room. Check those mail boxes in a week ;)

Breath taking Fire report - quick kid update.

Hi all,

An amazing story here about the santiago cyn fire.
http://www.latimes.com/la-burnover-f,0,732907.flash?coll=la-home-center
Thank goodness all the firefighters were OK.

Dad reports that the fire got within 500ft from up the ridge and 500 ft east of the house. YIKES!

About the Kids - Kristina has popped a fourth tooth and Tyler has just started to be able to stand in place for about 30 seconds. We're still waiting for Kristina to start crawling, but she loves standing at the edge of the coffee table.


C ya,
Jason

Back to normal.

Hi all.

Amy is home and doing great. Amy's mom has really worked hard the last week watching the kids while I'm at work and Amy can't lift the kids. Amy is restricted to lift only 10 lbs or less. The kids each weight over 25 lbs. They certainly have no problems eating.

The Silverado fire is finally out and my parents have been able to move back home. There is a lot of clean up, but at least the house was untouched by fire. Here is the oc register website that was covering the fire. http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sections/news/firecentral/.

enjoy some more pics.

Jason.

Coming back to normal. - almost.

Hi all,

Amy is back at home and recovering from surgery. The gallbladder is out. She feels much better!

My Dad remains evacuated from Silverado canyon from the major fire they had there. He was allowed back there with an escort. He said there was definitely some firefighters busy around his lot. The word was that his house was serving as an attack point to be able to save his house and 4 others surrounding it.

My mother goes in for neck surgery to relieve some pain from arthritis this week. Hopefully all will be back to normal soon.

Amy in the Hospital

Hi all.

Amy is in the hospital with Gallbladder issues. She is going in for surgery tonight to have it removed. She gave me quite a scare when she called me at work and said that she had been admitted to the hospital.

The CA fire is still not fully contained and my parents remain evacuated from thier silverado home. From the maps, it looks like the fire got to about 1000 feet from thier house. Let's hope the santa ana winds don't whip things up again.

Cheers,
Jason

Tyler has a tooth! - CA FIRE!

Two nights ago , I discovered that Tyler has popped a tooth.

But here is the biggest news in the Vincent family: My Dad and Stepmom's house in Silverado Cyn is currently being threatened by the Silverado Cyn Fire. His house is on Oak lane.

Check out this live map and watch the fire progress. Lets all hope for the best! My dad's advice so far: if you ever think you will have to evacuate, have a plan!

Our thoughts are with you guys!
Jason

9 months - big events!

Hi all,

Well the last month has been a BIG month for the Twins.

So far our predictions are coming true. Tyler, just last week, has learned to crawl. Very quickly we found out just how NOT baby proof our house is. He is getting into everything. Cords are his favorite. Somehow he knows that if he pulls hard enough, something really big and noisy will happen; say a speaker falling from the TV, a loud crash that startles the dog, a toaster from the counter, stuff like that. That is all fun and games, until he gets a new mark on his head. Tyler is still all gums. No teeth yet. He loves standing while grabbing onto the coffee table. It is probably best that he has no teeth, given the number of times he has bashed his face on the edge of the table. He sure is a tough kid.

Kristina has said her first word. MAMA. Stink'n! Well actually it isn't all that bad. Now when she crys, I can say... "honey, she is calling for you, not me". HA HA. (ok, minus 5 points for me, but it was worth sharing. I'll probably be forced to change a poopy diaper for that one.) Kristina just has no interest in crawling. She just sits straight up and watches the action around her.

They are loving their feeding times now. Amy has been busy, hand-making all the baby food. We planned our garden so that we can use everything for the babies. Our hand blender does its magic on everything we can think of. Today, they had Pumpkin and Apple, one of their favorites. It is really funny how fast you find out what they like and don't like. Kristina will shut her mouth so fast once she knows she is about to get something she doesn't like. But, bring a Cheerio within range and it is open-sesame. I'll admit, I've passed a Cheerio by, only to sneak in a spoon full of spinach or broccoli. Tyler is a much better eater with the solids. He opens so wide, that he squirts his saliva glad.

Cheers,
Jason.


(sippy cups are cool. Just remember to lock the lid ;)

(more Cheerios please!)

(This the best... they feed themselves. No more 45 minute bottle feeds any more. Ahhh)

8 Months.

HI there!


Kristina has doubled her tooth count! That makes 2 on the bottom. Kristina hasn't quite figured out getting up on her knees to crawl yet. She is able to grab Cheerio's and eventually they make it in her mouth, that is if she realizes she has one in her hand.

Tyler is rocking back and forth on his knees. He's just a few weeks from crawling. He has no sign of a tooth yet. He just loves getting knocked and tossed around.


Amy has started back to work. She is now working 2-3 days a week while Grandma P watches the kids. Her commute is now just 3 minutes, instead of 45. That saves a lot of time & gas money.


I'm the same ol' me. what else can I say. Man, we really lose the light this time of year - 4 minutes a day to be exact. Thats a full hour in just 2 weeks. But hey... I won't have to mow the stinkn lawn again... whoo hooo!


See ya,
Jason



(Bath time for Tyler!)



(Bath time for Kristina!)



(Tyler, struting his stuff. Note the shoulder, heartbreaker shirt, blond highlighted hair. Watch out girls!)


(It's all about me?)

(Good times in the walker.)

The First Tooth!

Kristina cut her first tooth this week! Way to go! We are still waiting for Tyler, though it could be any day now.

Growing up FAST!

Hey there. I almost forgot about this thing. HA.

July 4th was a fun trip. Amy took the twins down to southern California to meet Amy's grandparents in Garden Grove. That left me home alone for a full week. It was eerily quiet, except from 8pm until midnight with all the fireworks going. I didn't buy any this year... What a bummer. One night I went to Gustabs Pub, for dinner. I had bratwurst and beer... a MAN's meal.

Amy spent the first week with her family and then later visited my grandmother in Whitier. The twins had a good time causing noise and commotion in normally quiet homes. We were so happy to get those 4 generation pictures. I came down for the week over the 4th. After a stay at Grammy's (with air-conditioning) and to meet Grandpa Terry(my dad), we headed off to my mother's house in Irvine. We took the twins to a friend's weeding, to church, and a small family reunion. It was so nice to share the twins with some of my closest friends and family.

While on that vacation the twins started eating solids. Geez they are growing up fast. Tyler took to it right away. Kristina needed a little more convincing. Now they watch everything we eat and drink. I wonder what is going on in thier heads..."OK... that last bite was pretty tasty banana, I bet the next one is going to be green beans. I'd better start making raspberries or something to distract them. OK... it was green breans... shiver, YUCK. I'll just clamp my mouth shut and nothing else will get in. ooh wait... c'mon daddy, I want that Cherrio!!! WAAAAAH!"

Now that they are almost 7 months old, they are starting to become lots more fun. So... this is why there are so many kids on this planet.

Enjoy the pictures.

Jason


Great Grammy Vincent, Grandpa Vincent, Me and Amy, the twins.

Great Grandma and pa westlund, gram Pittman, Amy and the twins.

Just chillin. Where's the remote?

Smile! (Thanks Aunty Kim)

More avocado please!

Best Pals!

Hi all,

Long time to post ehh. Well life has been busy. My first Father's Day was a hoot.

The kids are getting ready for their first airplane ride down to southern California. Hurray, I still get early boarding. I guess we get to be the people on the plane with the screaming babies. Maybe I should pick up one of those noise canceling head sets. ;)

We really look forward to sharing the babies with the Great Grandparents and Grandparents for the very first time.

They are growing up SO fast. They have really started to be a lot of fun. Tyler enjoys being upside-down or tossed in the air on a regular basis. He just wont sit still. He has learned to roll, but only to the left. I have a lot of fun giving him raspberries on his tummy and really getting him to giggle. While Tyler has started on the physical stuff, Kristina has really started to mature socially. Kristina is miss sensitive. Look at her the wrong way and her bottom lip will stick out past her nose and then burst into a scream, which is only calmed by picking her up. She now notices Tyler and the pets. Ohh and did I mention that they are now occasionally sleeping through the night!!! What a difference from 45 minutes in a row of sleep to 6-7 hours.

Enjoy the photos.

Ohh... and don't forget to celebrate your country's independence by blowing-up a small part of it. I know I will.

See ya.
Jason

(Huh? )

(cooing away - Tyler's first word... GAH!)

(good times in the high chair)

(best pals)

Baby Giggles

Hi all.

Another Video: Tyler and Mom.(9MB)

Everything is going great at the Vincent family. They have discovered their hands They are always in their mouth! Kristina sometimes sucks her fingers so hard that she gags herself; silly girl. The drool is flowing like a river. We think the teeth will be popping out at any time.

As you can tell by the video they have started to laugh at us. Kristina is known to even throw in a giggle or two.

Well we're off to the garden sale. Life is busy with twins!
Jason

Try this costco link

http://www.costcophotocenter.com/share/p=214271177702667408/l=13164826/g=51838024/cobrandOid=1008/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

If you don't have a Costco photo account you can register for your own or use this common account I created (don't put your info in there, it is just a temporary account).
user: jtvincent@yahoo.com
password:01042007

Good times...

Hi all,

I've got two videos to share with you all... enjoy.
1) Cooing Kristina. Click Here.
2) Sleeping like a baby. Click Here. (by Auntie Kim)

Has anyone been able to see the photo's on costco? I'm curious how that worked out from my previous post.

Here are some more photos...

Tummy time for Tyler.


Sleeping Angel.


Good times with Gramps.

13 weeks: SMILES!

Hi all,

For those reading this, you are probably thinking... "It is about time!!!"

The last few weeks have been a lot of work followed by a lot of fun. They both have started to smile, coo, and an occasional laugh. We've made it through a hard 2 weeks of two colicky babies, hence why you haven't heard from us in a while.

Last Monday was their most recent visit to the doctor office. Tyler is 13.5 pounds and Kristina is 13 pounds. Tyler is in the 50th percentile for weight and 30th for height. Kristina is 70th percentile for weight and 40th for height. All that without adjusting for the fact they were born 5 weeks early. Ok... so their a little short and fat - but hey, that is a good thing in a baby. The doctor is amazed and gives all of us an A++ for such a great job.

With the weather improving we have had a chance to take the kids out for a few outings. They really like to sleep during the walks in the stroller. The moment the stroller stops a home it is cranky time though. They had their first visit to Costco too. Nothing like pushing a cart and a twin-stretched stroller around a crammed Costco on a Sunday afternoon.

All of our baby photos are in the Costco Photo center: If you are a costco center, you can order photos and pick them up at a costco. Also you can have them ship to your house.

http://www.costcophotocenter.com/photolibrary/t_=51838024

8 weeks: Dog Tired

Hi all.

I hope my thoughts here are coherent. I find my mind is a little slower these days.

Tyler and Kristina are doing great. Tyler is now 22" at 10lbs 11oz and Kristina is 21 3/4 inches at 10lbs 4 oz. They are in the 50th percentile for normal 8 week old babies; which is way ahead of 5 week premature babies. It so comforting to hear from the Dr. that all is going so well.

They have been sleeping 4 hours between feedings during the night; or at least they were. They have started to become a bit more alert and consequently not sleeping as much. Just as one gets comfortable, the next one throws out a scream. Sometimes they cry out at the same time. Then you know it is time for the tandem feeding.

Amy and I got to get out last weekend to see Annie. Not exactly the play I was dying to see, but it was nice to get out. It was the longest that both of us have been away from the kids. Auntie Kim may be up for spring break. The perfect timing for our next play. We had to miss the play just before Annie since we were in the hospital.

For those waiting for a phone call... please just give us a call. We find it gets too late too fast to remember to make a call. Love ya all.

Catch you all later... time for BED!

6 weeks old

Hi all.

Well it has been 6 weeks as of last Thursday. Tyler is now 9 lbs 13oz, 21 1/2 inches and Kristina is 9 lbs 3 oz at 21 1/4 inches. Finally the day has come that we no longer need to be on the 3 hour schedule. 2 nights into "feed on demand" and it has been Heaven; relatively speaking, of course. We also have been using the techniques used in "The Happiest Baby on the Block". THANK YOU Brent, Angie and Hannah! After watching the DVD, Amy went out and purchased the book.

We've moved the kids into the nursery. That room has certainly gotten cramped with all the baby stuff in there. The best thing is that Amy and I get to sleep in the same bed again. Before now, the person that wasn't taking care of the babies would go sleep in a guest room so that the screaming babies don't keep them up. Now in the nursery, the big recliner is very nice for falling asleep while comforting which ever child is fussing at that time.

Tyler continues to be the fussy one. Our suspension is a possible reflux issue after he eats. He has spent a few nights in the swing since it has a slight incline.

Kristina's lungs have really grown. The piercing screech that comes from that child is probably heard by the neighbors. It really makes your hair stand up. Calm down sweety, it is just a diaper change, food is coming soon. Ohh great... you woke up Tyler! Ahhh, so much for the other parent getting some sleep, better call in some reinforcements.

(lets see how long it take for him to grow out if this outfit.)

(Finally! Asleep in the swing.)

(is that a smile? or is she just filling her diaper? peeeee-uuuu!!! Oh how I wish it was just a smile.)

GOSH this is hard work!!!!

Well I finally have a moment to post another message... well not really. They are starting to cry for the 9pm feeding, and I'm just procrastinating. Don't tell Amy. ;)

I'm finally back to work and trying to stay conscience during those long drawn out meetings. I now know why all the people fall asleep on the bus. THEY HAVE KIDS!

Yesterday was their 40 week due date. Tyler is now 8lbs 13oz and Kristina is 8lbs 7oz. Mother's milk is in full force and we have been able to draw back on the amount of formula that we give them. The Doc still has us keeping them on a 3 hour schedule. Hopefully with them needing less bottle milk, the feedings can be shorter. Perhaps less than an hour if we are lucky. Lately they both seem to switch on who is going to be sleeping and who is going to be fussy. Tyler pulled an nice one on us just a few days ago... 9pm until 3am. AHHH! Ohhh and who told me that infant diapers don't stink until they eat solid foods? WRONG! Those solid food diapers will be something else. It is a good thing they are CUTE!

We can't wait for that first smile; Oh; and a good nights sleep too.

Give us a call if you want to come visit. They are now healthy enough to have visitors. The doc still wants us to keep them away from public places; being the middle of flu season and lots of RSV virus this year.

Cheers,
Jason (a.k.a. the walking zombie)

(in the next scene, her head spins and she vomits. Feed me now or fear the rapture!)



(attack of the stuffed animals!)


(see... I'm still cute, right?)



(got milk?)

Tiny hands...

(one of my favorite moments during a feeding)

Hi there everyone.

Everything is going okay at the Vincent house.

We took the twins to the pediatrician today. The twins have been packing on the grams... an average of 80 a day. Tyler is 6 lbs 8 oz, and Kristina is 6 lbs 6 oz. She mentioned this growth rate is off the charts and she gave us an A++ for the effort. She also mentioned that we should relax a bit and shoot just for the A. Sounds good to us!

Kristina and Tyler are on a tight 3 hour feeding schedule (3, 6, 9, 12) to make sure they gain the weight that there were supposed to get if they went full term. It takes 1 to 1.5 hours to get a feeding complete and ready for the next one. If it all goes smoothly and the twins eat without falling asleep, we have gotten the time down to 40 minutes, but that is a rare moment. With all that it leaves us with 1.5 to 2 hours of sleep per session. But that is when all is going well. A bubbly tummy may keep them fussing for another good hour. So far both of us have been getting up at every feeding. We have been given Doctors orders, by our pediatrician, to make sure that one of us gets at least a 4 hour stretch of sleep. My hardest time is the 3AM and 6AM feedings. Amy's hardest is the midnight feeding. I think I'll be taking the midnight feeding tonight on my own.

The diapers are really starting to fly now. We are guaranteed to go through at least 16 a day; 1 for each baby at each feeding. But occasionally they mess up the clean diaper the moment it gets on, or just after the feeding (or sometimes, both). Tyler fires the hose once he feels the fresh air. Thanks for that mister, I already had my shower.

Enjoy the photos... Don't forget to click on the photo to see the larger image and use it to print it out.

Jason

(Mommy and Kristina enjoying some bonding time)

(a preemie trait is to put their hands over their face when they've had enough)
(Put the camera away DAD!!!)

(one Tyler and Kristina burrito to go please.)

Must sleeeeeeep..... zzzzzz

There's No Place Like Home

It has finally happened ... both of our precious ones have come home.

Kristina came home first on a cold Monday evening. We had one night to practice before we had two babies to feed and care for (every three hours round the clock). Then, on Tuesday, during a snow storm, Tyler joined his sister for a car ride home. All we need now is sleep. Even though we feed them every three hours, it is about an hour and a half before both are changed, fed and the supplies put away and cleaned up for the next feeding. That only leaves another hour and a half to sleep or get things done. They just don't have the strength to chug those bottles, yet. That is one reason the Christmas lights are still hanging (although not on).

All the nurses loved the two of them. They were both happy and sad to see them go. The doctor visit today was refreshing. They have both put on weight since leaving the hospital. Tyler is up to 5 # 13 oz and Kristina is up to 5# 11 oz. We were lucky that as premature as they were, no major respiratory problems were noted and they did not have much jaundice. In fact, they did much better than some preemies further along than them. The doc said we are doing a fantastic job. The only obstacle left is feeding strength. They cannot eat very fast or much at one time, hence the long time to feed and the every three hours.

The dogs have adjusted fairly well. Stuart tries to be the center of attention by rolling over on his back and being cute. The babies always win the cuteness battle. Jake is concerned when they cry or make noise and will most likely be a good protector of them. The cats have not really met them yet. Pumpkin and Beau got a quick glimpse of them today in their catseats before heading off for the first pediatrician visit. Beau was a little cautious and jumped back when they moved or squeaked. Pumpkin tried to crawl into the carseat for a good sniff or possible cuddle and take a nap.

Not only did the twins have a doctor appointment, so did I. My blood pressure has been too low, to the point that I have been dizzy and weak in the mornings. My drugs have been decreased & I should be weaned off them soon. I have been given the okay to go on walks but not to drive. Now that I can get out of the house, the twins cannot until the threat of flu season is past.

Jason and I will try to keep posting to the blog, but we will be pretty busy in the next few months. In fact I hear Kristina fussing right now. Gotta run!

I'm Home At Last

Hello Everybody
Thank you very much for all your thoughts and concerns!! One week in the hospital is enough for me. Positive: I was closer to my babies.

My blood pressure is still not back to normal but is being controlled at a more reasonable level on medication. I am now on more medications & supplements than I have ever been on before (9 different kinds). Positive: I am more likely to drink plenty of water

I missed a snow storm while semi-comfortable in my hospital bed. Positive: I stayed warm.


But, what you really want to know about ... the TWINS
Tyler looks just like his father's baby photo. He is the more mellow of the two. Kristina is a mini me, complete with the dimples. She is the queen of facial expressions and lets you know when she does not like something. She will be a handful.
Tyler and Kristina continue to improve every day. The doctor estimates that they will still be in the hospital come Monday but may be home early next week. Because of my c-section, I cannot drive for two weeks so I have to find somebody to drive me back and forth for their feedings (every three hours) or stay at the hospital all day. Although I would love to have them home so that I can feel like a mother, it is nice to be able to sleep at night in order to fully recover from my surgery before taking care of two preemies all night! As all the doctors say, it is important for me to heal since I am the primary source of food for the young ones. If you can't tell already I am trying to stay positive through the whole ordeal.

The next step for the twins now is to eat 140 calories/kg/day as well as be able to remain stable in their car seat for 1 1/2 hours (to be tested tonight). Tyler is only eating about 109 calories/kg/day while Kristina is up to 120 calories/kg/day. To his credit, Tyler is eating slightly more but because he weighs more is not reaching his required quota.


My milk is finally starting to come in. The twins drink my milk readily, and do better on it, than the formula. I have been told that it is normal to take a week for milk production after a c-section at 35 weeks gestation with high blood pressure only exacerbating the problem. The twins are not yet strong enough to suckle completely from my breast so pumping and bottle feeding is the best way to go. Tyler is much more enthusiastic about the breast feeding than his sister; he is his father's son.

Hugs and kisses from us all! Love Amy.

BTW: the dogs were very happy to see me and immediately found my healing incision site. Then the cats jumped on my lap causing me to vocalize my discomfort: I went back on my oxycodone.

Amy staying some more.

Well if there is anything definite in medicine is that nothing is definite. Amy's blood pressure continues to concern the doctors. The pressure is remaining high even when she is in bed. Today she will get her staples taken out.

She won't be going home until the blood pressure is stabilzed at a lower level.

c ya... time to feed our babies,
Jason

One more night.

Amy's blood pressure continues to be elevated today, so they decided to keep her a second additional night. She'll definitely be heading home tomorrow (Tues). She is walking around fine, and has been making it to the nursery on her own.

Babies are progressing nicely. They both have a feeding tube now. This helps to supplement what they are getting from the bottle. They are working so hard, that they simply fall asleep while feeding. They say the coordination reflexes to suck, swallow, and breath is the last thing they develop. Once we get them over the hump, they should really start gaining some weight. In order to go home they will need to be consistently gaining some weight over several days.

Cheers,
Jason

Big Progress.

Hi everyone.

I finally had a chance to get back to our home computer to post an update. I guess I'll have fewer and fewer of those in the next few days (and years). ;) It is amazing to me how quickly you forget to take care of yourself and worry about your family.

Amy had improved quite a bit, but she still has high enough pressure today that she was asked to stay one more day. We expect her to be released on Monday.

Tyler and Kristina are doing GREAT! They are now sleeping together in a small crib. All they have to do now is learn to eat enough to start gaining weight. Amy and I have both fed the two of them several times now. If they don't fall asleep while eating, they do pretty good. Today they have been getting about 25-30 ounces of milk down. Tyler has had a little trouble getting enough to eat, so they may insert a feeding tube just to get him past this difficult stage. The same may come for Kristina if he follows the example of her brother. Some jaundice is a apparent in both of them. However it wasn't so bad to require a light treatment yet.

They will have at least another week in intensive care. I'll be heading in for work this week to save up some vacation days for when they come home.

Some more formal numbers:
Tyler, born 1/4/2007 at 9:41pm at 5 lbs 9oz and 47cm long.
Kristina, born 1/4/2007 at 9:43pm at 5lbs 5oz and 45cm long.

They are the cutest, most perfect babies I've ever seen. No really, I mean it. HE HE!

Cheers!
Jason