Family Pics...Finally

If I could turn back time and do it all over again, I would have definitely signed Layla and Jenna up for some sort of baby program to have professional pictures done at all the milestone months of their infancy.  I guess at the time, I couldn't quite wrap my brain around getting two babies out and about to take their picture, much less get myself put together enough to get them out and about.  Now that I'm finally starting to manage this zoo a little better, we decided it was time to get our first family picture taken.  These were actually taken back in October when the girls were 7 months old.  I waited to share them because we used a few on our Christmas card and as Christmas gifts.  Thank you to Shannon Ho for your unbelievable patience with our family, your incredible talent in capturing the sweet essence of our babies, and for allowing me to share some of the images on our blog.  Here are a few of my faves...

Twinfest 2010

Layla and Jenna had a very special play date yesterday.  We were so excited to have the Rose boys and the Straughn girls over to play.  Yep, that's 3 sets of twins all under one roof!  We had 3 mommies and two helpers to keep things under control, but if you're thinking that deterred the craziness, think again!  That's okay...crazy is our norm!  We pulled out all the toys and just let them have at it...what a sight to see!

The boys needed to refuel after their 2 hour trip to Norman.  

Now they're ready to join Olivia and play!

Lilly's ready to get after it too!

 Olivia had lots to say and Layla thought she had better listen since the Straughns have a whole month more life experience under their belts.  

Reid (or Ridge) threw one back while relaxing in the Nap Nanny.

But Jenna made sure he knew just who that Nap Nanny belonged to.

Looked like we were running a daycare!

 Man, these toys are yummy!

 Checking out Jenna's toyland.

Of course we had to get a group pic...or at least try!  Lilly's not so sure about this...

...but the rattle helped ease her mind.

Of course, Reid helped to comfort her too.  Miss Olivia looks like she's ready!

Jenna: "Alright, I've had enough...see ya!"

No, no, no, Jenna, get back up there!

Ridge: "I'm outta here!"

Oh no...Jenna's losing interest again.

There goes Reid cracking jokes to get all the attention!

Something spectacular must have been going on to right, but Layla is oblivious.

Lilly wants in between the boys while Olivia relaxes a bit.

Layla has just about had it!

Layla: "Get me outta here!!!"

Okay, somebody straighten up Lilly and we'll give it one more try...

QUICK!  Take the picture!!!

From left to right: Layla, Jenna, Ridge, Reid, Lilly, Olivia (I think!)

We had so much fun with our twin friends and can't wait until our next Twinfest!!!

One Year Ago Today - A Message to Family and Friends

Some people say that your life changes when you have children.  That once they are in your life, you are no longer living for you, you are living for them.  For me, it happened before they even entered this world.  For me, it happened one year ago today.  You see, one year ago today, I was 23 weeks and 6 days pregnant with twins.  One year ago today, I began my fight for Layla and Jenna.

From the moment I found out I was pregnant with twins, I became very familiar with terms that are all too common with twin pregnancies...high risk, preterm labor, maternal fetal specialist, NICU, etc.  Even though I was equipped with this knowledge, I still didn't think any of it would happen to me.  I was healthy, I was young...well, maybe not that young, but I was healthy.  I knew that with a twin pregnancy, there were potential complications that were out of my control, but I figured that if I continued to take care of myself, this pregnancy would be smooth sailing.  For 23 weeks and 5 days, this was the case.  However, on the 23rd week and 6th day things changed.

On Dec 21, 2009, I was hospitalized for preterm labor.  In layman's terms, Layla and Jenna were on the brink of a dangerously early arrival.  Now, we all know this story has a good ending, so I don't want to dwell on all that happened during that week long hospital stay or the months of bed rest that followed.  However, as I sit back and reflect on the journey that began that day, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude.

I can't even begin to describe how appreciative I am for the people in my life.  I will forever be indebted to each one of you who carried me through to the end.  Every time I look at my sweet baby girls, I will always remember the part you played in bringing them safely into this world.

To my friends...you all are unbelievable!  From the visits, phone calls, and emails you sent to the books, magazines, movies, and games you brought over, I never once was bored laying in bed.  I never went hungry either...I can honestly say that Trey and I have never eaten as well as we did the months you delivered a hot meal to our home several times per week.  You made me remember just how important friends are and I hope you know you mean the world to me.

To my family...where would I be without you?  Knowing I have your love and support helped me get through the day.  Anything I needed, I knew I could count on you.  You tirelessly helped unpack every last box when we moved into our new house.  You shopped for baby necessities, since I had nothing prepared.  You registered for me.  You packed my hospital bag.  You cleaned the house.  You cooked for me.  You did my laundry.  You laid in bed with me just to keep me company.  You braved the treacherous snow storm to sing me Christmas carols and bring me carrot cake when I was stuck in the hospital on Christmas Day.  The list goes on and on...I have no doubt I have the best family in the world.

To my husband...all I can say is wow.  Most men could not have done what you did.  People often thought I had it hard having to be on bed rest.  What I had to do doesn't even hold a candle to what you did.  I can't even imagine the amount of stress and pressure you had riding on your shoulders during this time.  From selling a house to buying a house, not to mention orchestrating the entire move, you did it all.  You solely took care of Toby when he became very sick, giving him various medications eight times per day, chauffeuring him back and forth to the vet, tube feeding him all of his meals, while continuously ensuring me that he would be okay and that I didn't need to worry.  You continued to work hard at your job to provide for our family and you never stopped treating me like a queen.  All of this was done with a smile on your face and love in your heart.  I am truly grateful to be married to you and that Layla and Jenna have a man like you in their lives.

To say I am thankful is an understatement.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but I feel like it took a village just to bring these precious babies into the world.  I could not have fought the battle without each and every one of the kind gestures, thoughts, and prayers from friends and family.  I wish I could think of a better way to express my gratitude, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you!  

Santa Claus is Coming, I Mean Came, to Town

What a lucky day!  Layla and Jenna just happened to be at the mall when Santa decided to stop by and set up shop right out in front of JCPenney.  He even invited them into his mini North Pole to sit on his lap and take a picture.  I consider their first Santa sighting to be a huge success.  No, they weren't thrilled to see him, they didn't crack a smile, and they certainly didn't tell him what they want for Christmas, BUT, they didn't cry!!!  Now that is definitely worth something special under the tree!    

Deck the Halls

The house is all dressed up for the season and I can't take one bit of credit for it!  As much as I love decorating, I really don't enjoy decorating for Christmas.  I blame all the sparkly glitter and pine needles that end up everywhere...it totally stresses me out!  So, for the last few years, I've enlisted the help of my dear friend, Megn.  Her creativity and talent are truly amazing, but the best part is that she works her magic while I'm gone and when I come back....TAH DAH...it's Christmas!  Here are some pictures, although, they don't quite do it justice.  

Breakfast Room

Dining Room

Entry - Every year I have a favorite display...this is it for 2010.

Hallway - This wall is the perfect home for our first family picture that will be delivered soon.

 Kitchen

Here's the deer head that Trey and I disagree over every year...once again, I win and it gets to hang another season!  The Christmas card holder is another one of my faves.  Although it's bare now, I just love when it's overflowing with beautiful picture cards from friends and family.  Kudos to the two who had their cards out in November!!!  

Living Room - The baby toys aren't part of the Christmas decor...we get to enjoy those year round!

New babies mean new stockings...they are currently being monogrammed as we speak and will be hanging here shortly!

Powder Bath

Study

 Christmas Tree - When the girls are old enough (probably next year) we will definitely want to the trim the tree as a family, but for now, I prefer to just admire Megn's work.

Front Porch

Now, all the credit for the outdoor lights goes to Trey.  He created a custom set of lights to fit our house so that there aren't any unsightly connections...I was pretty impressed!  (Yes, that's a Thanksgiving flag...don't judge!  It was removed as soon as I noticed it in these pictures!)

All a glow at night...so pretty!

So now that you've seen Megn's and Trey's creations, you must be wondering what I've contributed to the holiday decor.  Well, here they are...the two best things about Christmas at the Dzialo house...

DRUM ROLL PLEASE......

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS!