It Takes A Village

A wise old tribesman once told me; "young man...it takes the whole village to raise a child." Well, there is no debating that. We hereby extend an open invitation to all villagers, near and far.

In my last post I referenced sleepless in Asheville, well we have no real change on that front. The twins are now five weeks old, and we are not certain if we will ever have a full night of sleep again. Many thanks to Mom Swaney and Mom Vogt, Maria, Lynette, and Katie for your extra hands, the 6am feedings (We still take the 2-3am shift) and your commitment to the TEAM! Everyone is doing well, in spite of no sleep. The kids have both put on a few pounds, and I am proud to say that both of them are tipping the scales at a whopping 7.3 lbs (Benjamin) and 7.8 lbs (Bailey). We are looking forward to an upcoming trip to Texas in July, and hopefully a visit to /or from our SoFlaFam in late summer?!

Bare with me on the delayed posting, it is tough to type with my hands full! Check in with us again soon. God certainly blesses!

Sleepless in Asheville, well sometimes.

This Memorial weekend is much different than years past. No lake parties, trips to the coast, or festivals this year. Instead, we have two precious tots that definately plan to keep us busy. A walk in the yard will be the most fun in the sun had this weekend. Ah, but don't fret. There will be many more wonderful, fun filled weekends to come!

Here are a couple of shots taken last night of Bailey and her beautiful blond hair, and young Benjamin...small, dark and handsome!

Mom at home with the twins!

Photos for this blog are ok, but my next challenge is to upload video! Stayed tuned!

Double's no Trouble!

Believe that? (left, parting shot from "Camp Mission Hospital")

Well we are finally home with our newest team members, Benjamin and Bailey! After seven days in the Hospital (Bailey was in the NICU being monitored for breathing) Team Swaney makes it home and the fun is under way. Sleepless nights, sleepy days, sleep, sleep, eat, soil, whimper, repeat! We wouldn't have it any other way. I took the kids (individually) between "time at the tip" for a stroll through the yard. We explored various locations for the sand box and playhouse, as well as the kiddie pool and swingset. They may think they are going to run this joint, but as soon as they get on a schedule and sleep through the night, we'll lay down the law! Believe that?

Anyway, Mom has the double barrel feeding down to an art...imagine the Heissman, but with a football in each arm. Nursing has been the most challenging as we do the dance of providing just enough food, while trying our best not to set off the overflow release valves - spitting up. Benjamin has already woken up to an earful from his sister...always the gentleman, he just rolled his eyes.
Nana (Amy's mom) is here visiting for a couple of weeks from Texas...boy is that helpful! Right when you realize you can't do it all, another set of hands step in to save the day, or night...usually both. Grandmommy Swaney will be here in a few weeks and extend her helpful hands, so between the two of them we expect to be off to a great start.

Many thanks to everyone for their prayers, flowers, food, friendship and support! Our next milestone is week 40 (currently week 37) as this is when we get make the leap from pre-me to super baby (sound music from "Greatest American Hero").

Tick Tock

Welcome to the first in a potentially long series, assuming I learn to type faster! The big day is right around the corner and we wanted to give you a glimpse inside, to watch and comment from a far, as we go from "Cool" to "School"!

Not only are we in the midst of a countdown for the birth of our first children, but we have officially joined the ranks of many others by submitting our first BLOG! Our kids are still in the womb and I am already concerned about being technologically left behind.

Yesterday we learned the big news that Benjamin and Bailey will be joining us around 2pm on Friday...we haven't told them yet. Bailey is apparently eating her meals, as well as those of her twin brother. This, by the way, is not an ideal scenario. As of 5/12, Benjamin was measuring roughly 4lbs - 11oz while his sister weighted in just under 6lbs. He is obviously a gentleman in the making, but a boy's got to eat!

So, Friday it is! Stay tuned as this will be the best way to keep everyone up to date and hopefully hear a few words of encouragement from our family and friends.