One Month Old!

Wait, what were we looking at?


Guthrie and Zevon are a month old today! I can't believe how fast it has gone. (It doesn't help that Kaia and I can't remember most of the last month.) We will have their one month check up on Friday the 20th and it will be good to see what their updated stats are now.
The picture below is a recreation of how I held them on their birthday. I'm hoping they'll let me do this for a while.

Deja vu all over again

Thank You!

On June 24th Evie's Grandma Bev pulled into our driveway to be our helping hands as we prepared for the arrival of Zevon and Guthrie and this morning she drove away to head home. We would not have survived if not for all of her help.
Your grandchildren can't wait to see you again, Grandma Bev! We all love you!

Four Weeks Old

They don't do much yet, but hey Gus and Z are only four weeks old. Here is a little video peek at the Gents.

What's In A Name

"Hey Zevon, there's a Grandma up there!"
"I know man, she's awesome."


Their Uncle Jody admitted that he thought I was kidding when I first told him their names, but Kaia and I hope that Zevon Thomas and Guthrie Clayton live up to their big names.
Zevon Thomas was a name that we had considered before we knew Evangeline was a girl. Warren Zevon is one of my favorite songwriters and once while discussing names Kaia said Zevon had a nice ring to it. In Hebrew the name means "light of God" and he has definitely been a light for us so far.
His middle name is in honor of his Grandfather Wayne Thomas and his Great Grandfather Thomas.

"Guthrie, the sister has us again!"
"Stay real still man. Sudden moves spook her."


Guthrie's name came as we were considering names that would fit with a brother named Zevon. Woody Guthrie was one of the most influential songwriters and political activists in history. (In my opinion, without Woody Guthrie's influence you wouldn't have Bob Dylan and without Dylan we would all be poorer.) Guthrie means, "a windy place" and from birth Guthrie has been the more vocal of our boys.
Guthrie's middle name is my middle name and my middle name is also my father's. I like to say that Guthrie and Zevon are named for three of my favorite songwriters, Warren Zevon, Woody Guthrie, and Ralph Clayton Sappington. Zevon also is named for one of the nicest and most honorable men you'll ever meet, Wayne Thomas Torgerson.

My hope for my boys is that they are as fiercely independent, fearless, honest, creative, and compassionate as their namesakes.

Dad, in the family band I get to sing lead and take all the solos.

Three Weeks Old

Guthrie


I see such a difference between the faces you see here and the boys we met July 15. So what has changed? In the last week we started cloth diapers, watched our boys fly past their birth weights, and got some quality Grandpa Wayne time. We are really seeing personalities emerge and not just with Zevon and Guthrie.
Kaia and I have found this to be a very different experience than our first weeks with Evangeline. It seemed then that we had all day just to stare at our daughter. This time around we feel like we are racing the clock. Kaitlin compared our life these days to the second season of LOST when it was all about pushing a button every 108 minutes. To say we are exhausted is an understatement and I have no idea how we would manage without Grandma Bev being in the house. In fact the primary reason that Evie Lu hasn't completely felt abandoned is the time Bev, Wayne, and Cam have given.

Zevon

You Write The Caption!

We haven't played this game with Zevon and Gus yet, so I thought this might be a good one. We've had a awesomely busy couple of days. The whole family made it to church for the first time and we got to hear a great sermon from our friend Ken. Kaia continues to amaze me with her tenacity.
Overall we are far more adventurous with this time around. I think Kaia and I were so scared of breaking Evie Lu that we didn't do much of anything. Now we are really up for most anything. Whew!

Belly Time

You can do it Zevon!


Even at just two weeks old, we are seeing major differences between Guthrie and Zevon. Zevon is more prone to spitting up like Evangeline was as a baby. Guthrie seems to get worked up more easily than his brother. They take turns being the fussy one overnight, so that is a wash. All in all Zevon at this point is the more laid back twin. He takes all sorts of annoyances in stride.

Guthrie is not a fan of belly time


The best example of the difference between their temperaments was last week when they each had to get a heel stick. Guthrie started screaming before the nurse even touched him. He screamed for a solid ten minutes until the nurse left the room and I could finally calm him. Zevon on the other hand felt the poke that started blood flowing from his heel, grimaced a bit, and gave me a look that said, "I'm not a fan of that." He was quiet for the entire time the nurse was taking blood. I know we are working with a small sample size, but it is interesting to imagine how our boys will be as they grow.

The watchful eyes of big sister

Your Next Action Stars

Hey Zevon, there is something behind my neck I want to give you.


Do you smell what the Guthrie is cooking?


And I flip you!


Hey! Feet!?! I called no feet!


You may have won this time, but I will be baaaaack!

Grandpa Wayne Arrives!

Okay Grandpa, smile because I'm the first and your favorite.


Grandpa Wayne arrived today to great fanfare and excitement. We weren't sure if he would be able to make the trip, but we are all so glad he did. Evie especially is glad to have someone new who will play games and chase her around.

Grandsons are alright


We got some great news today as Guthrie and Zevon have both passed their birth weights and received glowing marks for their progress. (Kaia is doing a great job too!)

Put to work

Updated Stats

Enjoying the summer


Zevon and Guthrie had their one week check in yesterday and we are thrilled with what we heard. Zevon has almost returned to his birth weight and has grown 3/4 of an inch. Guthrie is within 4oz of his birth weight and is up 1/2 an inch. After watching Evie Lu grow and hear about our child being in the 90th percentile for weight and height it is wild to hear our new doc be excited about Gus and Zevon making it into the 10th percentile. They are growing big and strong and soon we hope to be done with the overnight feedings every 2-3 hours.

We also learned that Zevon and Guthrie are not identical. After a week with them I would have been willing to bet that they were fraternal. There are just too many differences for them to be identical. I think this makes for an even more exciting adventure as we'll have two very different sons.

Staying Close

A kiss for my brother


Yesterday Kaia peeked in to check on Gus and Zevon as they were sleeping in the bassinet in the living room. As she looked down the picture above is what she saw; Guthrie giving Zevon a kiss on the nose. There is a slight valley in the middle of the bassinet and as they wiggled The Gents found themselves face to face.

One Week Old

Sitting in the eye of the hurricane


I know that I've been present and awake for the last week, but I honestly could not tell you where the time has gone. We are in a constant loop of changing, feeding, sleeping, Evie entertaining, and sanity maintaining. Somehow in the midst of all of that a week flew by.

Guthrie sacked out


The Gents have their first pediatrician appointment tomorrow and Kaia and I are excited to see how they've grown. When we left the hospital Zevon and Guthrie were 1oz away from falling below the 10% weight loss line. (You do not want to fall below that line.) They've been eating very well, so we are hopeful they've at least gained back what they've lost.

Zevon snoozing

Twice As Many Cuddles

Kaitlin meets her nephews


It has been an exhausting, but amazing couple of days at home. Thank goodness for Grandma Bev and all the help we've been getting from wonderful friends like Cam and Erik.

Too Sweet

Heading Home

Do three car seats really fit?


After three days in the hospital, we were released into the world. Is the world ready for us? Are we ready for the world? Evangeline came with Grandma Bev, but was insistent on leaving with us. I've never been a more careful driver than I was on the short trip home.

The Gentlemen at home


We've settled into a pattern of Zevon and Guthrie eating every couple of hours during the day and every three hours at night. I had forgotten the newborn routine, but it has come back in a rush. Thankfully the boys are super relaxed and are treating us very well.

A proud Grandma


My first reflection as a father of twins is that I'm amazed how they can be sleeping inches from each other and they don't wake the other up. Guthrie was the loud one last night and Zevon was sleeping like a log. Amazing.

Sleeping arrangements . . . for now

The Real Star Of The Show

Holding one close to her heart and one in her hands


Kaia's strength is something to behold. The journey from finding out we were expecting twins to actually holding them has been a challenging one, but Kaia has traveled it with great grace. Zevon and Guthrie may only be two days old, but they've had months to learn from their awesome mom.

Zevon in a close up


Our ultrasound doc dropped by yesterday and again asserted that he things our boys are identical. Take a look at the pictures here and let us know what you think. Zevon definitely has a baby rash and Guthrie's complexion is smoother, but I flip flop on whether I think they look identical or not. At the moment I think not.

Guthrie takes a turn

Evie Lu Meets Her Brothers

Okay, I give up, how do you tell them apart?


Zevon and Guthrie have a growing fan club, but there is no doubt as to who the president of that club is right now. Their big sister is crazy for her brothers. As Grandma Bev stays with her and Kaia and I are at the hospital, Evie spends her time wondering what her brothers are doing. Evangeline told Bev after Vacation Bible School was done, "Grandma, I'm going to see MY babies at the hospital."
All of her time playing with baby dolls has paid off as my little girl is very gentle as she holds her tiny brothers. As I write this I realize I've committed a very big dad sin, I'm not totally sure which brother Evangeline is with in these pictures! I'll check with the all knowing Grandma Bev, but I think it is Guthrie. Man, am I in for years of trouble with my boys!

Nope, I'm still the cutest.

The Gentlemen Arrive!

Happiness


Although we were thinking July 21, The Gentlemen made their appearance today. Kaia and Grandma Bev were at an ultrasound appointment while Evie and I were at Vacation Bible School and Kaia's blood pressure was higher than our doc was comfortable seeing.


Side by Side



Zevon Thomas and Guthrie Clayton were born at 1:41pm and 1:43pm. Zevon was 6lbs 8oz and 18 and 3/4 inches long. Guthrie was 6lbs 5oz and 18.5 inches long.

Zevon Thomas


Kaia was amazing. She is doing very well and I am blessed to be married to such an wonderful woman. The Gentlemen have already changed our lives. Oh the places we will go!


Guthrie Clayton (aka "Gus")

Megan Wants More Evie!

Dad, are you sure Jimmy Buffett is the only music for hammock time?


Evie's Aunt Megan demanded more and so here is another just Evangeline post. A few days ago I picked up a $20 hammock at one of my favorite stores. I checked google to see how to tie a hammock knot and voila we have a new chill out spot on the deck. I'm not sure if it is the low price or the fact I put it up, but Evie and I are the only ones who will use it.
Evie loves the hammock and I love to see my not so little girl hanging out with me.

Yeah, I might be here all day.

Summer Finally Came!

I don't like to eat them, I just like the fire


Evie has been having an amazing time with her Grandma Bev and last week warm weather finally came. Nearly every day featured kiddie pool time and outdoor eating. Evie was initiated into the marshmallow roasting club too. For some reason she still likes the plain ones better.

Zero Concerns

Kaia sees a Torgerson nose here


"I have zero concerns about the health of your baby boys." Those were the words of our doctor today near the end of our ultrasound appointment. We had been a little worried about Baby B after a non stress test yesterday, but all those worries were wiped away, by the two little words, zero concerns.

These are definitely giant noggins


Another special treat was seeing Baby A in 3D. He has been hiding for the last 6 weeks and it was so good to get to see him. Of course his brother decided to hide and that is why you only see one good profile in the picture above.

Kaia is a real trooper and now that she is into her 36th week she is really uncomfortable. There is no such thing as a restful position anymore. If the boys hold to July 21 our doc thinks twin 7lb boys are a strong likelihood! Whew!

The side by side comparison of waistlines shows B has really caught up

Every One Is Growing!

From May 30, 2010


It has been a wild week! Last Thursday Grandma Bev rolled in from Minnesota to help with Evie care and Gentlemen prep. Very quickly the phrase, "Grandma can you . . ." became constant.
Kaia hit 35 weeks yesterday and we are ecstatic. Even better we had a growth scan today and here are the latest numbers. Baby A is targeted at 5lbs 10oz and Baby B is estimated at 5lbs 9oz. Baby A is growing well and Baby B has closed the gap! Our ultrasound doc is feeling pretty strongly the boys are identical. We are just thrilled that the Gentlemen are growing strong.

From July 1, 2010


After church last week a member asked if we needed to build scaffolding to help keep Kaia upright. So far, she's doing great!

A Quick Update On The Gents

It has been a month since our last growth scan and today we had another. Our Doc told us that Baby A who had been in the 60th percentile has slowed a bit in his growth to the 40th percentile and is now at 4lbs 11oz. (He said this slowing was normal and nothing to worry about.) Baby B on the other hand has closed the gap and is now in the 30th percentile at 4lbs 8oz. Brain and heart development continue to look great. Baby A is breach (feet down) and Baby B is transverse (laying horizontally and on top of his brother).
All signs point to the Gentlemen staying put for a while longer which is very good.
Evie came with us and got to see a 3-D picture of Baby B. She was very excited.

A Little Something for Wednesday

A Graduate!

A distinguished group


Friday June 11th was a major day for our family. Kaia attended her hooding for her master's degree in teaching. Evie and I were very proud to be able to be with her and see the culmination of a lot of hard work. Way to go Kaia!

Evie is eyeing what degree she wants