Update # 1 = Eric

Many of you have asked for an update with E. The best way I can describe him is to call him a Super Trooper! Eric went back to work on May 3rd and the next day, he started his first round of chemotherapy. Again, this chemotherapy is considered precautionary, as the surgeon was able to remove the entire tumor during E’s surgery. However, since there was a presence of three lymph nodes near the tumor, E’s team of doctors decided to be aggressive and try to keep it from spreading. I say, “Be Aggressive. B-E Aggressive.”

Luckily, E has had minimal side effects with his treatments. Fatigue and hiccups if you’re curious. Eric has also been able to remain working and still have an active part in the babies’ lives. Meaning, yes, I can still yell at him to change a diaper!!! He still has a great appetite so he is back to enjoying the foods that he loved (within reason).

I do have to say though, doctors and nurses that specialize in oncology are just extraordinary people to deal with this horrible illness day in and day out. I mean, truly, I don’t know how they go to work everyday.


We took the plunge and moved back into our home on May 23rd after staying at E’s parents’ house since his surgery. Whereas the help we received at their house was invaluable, it was time to get back home. It seems as though we have all adjusted well to being back and returning to daily routines is definitely helping us feel like “normal” again.

Speaking of normal, we finally had our family pictures taken a few weeks ago at Mentor Headlands. It just so happened to be a beautiful day without a cloud in the sky (perfect for squinty smiles) and it felt about 90 degrees by 9:00 AM. Olivia, of course, took awhile to warm up to the idea while Ethan hammed it up for the camera. Special thanks to friend and mentor, Corey,  for taking these for us and to our amazing friend and babysitter, Meghan, for helping us out that day! It was hard for me to get on the other end of the camera, but I am so happy with how they came out! Enjoy some of our favorites below……

(c) Corey Ann Photography

(c) Corey Ann Photography

(c) Corey Ann Photography

(c) Corey Ann Photography

(c) Corey Ann Photography

Again, both E and I would like to thank everyone for the tremendous support we have received over the past few months.  I really don't think I could write a thank you note long enough to describe the love we feel from our family and friends.  So just so all of you know, we love you too!

Leprechauns and Bunnies

In the midst of all the craziness that has been going on for the last 8 weeks, we still managed to celebrate some more of the kids’ first holidays. And by celebrate, I mean dress them up and try to get them smile for the camera.

St. Patrick’s Day. ‘Tis my favorite holiday, usually. Not only does it showcase my Irish roots, two days after my birthday but it also means the Spring is on its way! Also, I won’t lie…Beer. Well, no beer was had this year (or last year for that matter…cooking babes). E had been home from the hospital for a mere 3 days, everyone was exhausted; I received disturbing and devastating news on my life-long bestie… Needless to say, it wasn’t the best St. Pat’s and my kids’ faces in this photo sums it all up.

A few weeks later, Easter was upon us. E was feeling better and the kids had their fancy outfits all pressed and ready to go!
“Won’t they look so cute with Easter eggs around them?” I say to my trusty friend, babysitter and fellow photographer, Meghan.
“Totally! Let’s do it!” Meghan says.
Big mistake. Kids didn’t look up once during our little photo shoot. But hey, they are still cute.

Week 3 and the Lessons We have Learned

1. Being militant with the twins’ schedule is key. If it means kicking out grandparents, missing the end of the game or pushing through it when you’re dead tired- you have to do it. Otherwise, you will kick yourself the next day when the babies are more delusional than the parents.

2. Tubby time IS the end of the world. Really.



3. Showers for the parents every other day is probably considered a plus at this point. Who cares if you’re in there at 5:00 AM for 45 minutes?

4. Your laundry no longer matters. In the 23 days my kids have been alive, I have done 15 loads of their laundry and 2 of ours.



5. I am pretty sure the Sound Machine that plays at bedtime helps put not only the twins to sleep, but soothes us over the monitor as well.

6. Just because E and I are photographers, doesn’t mean we have a ton of pictures of our kids. 2 of them and 2 of us. Unless we train Kori on the Nikon or learn to shoot with our toes, pictures are surprisingly hard to come by. Or, when I do attempt it Night and Day (aka Olivia and Ethan) have a plan of their own.



7. Caffeine. Keep it coming.

8. Ethan looks at me like my father when he’s angry.



9. Olivia is officially OFF the market!



10. Finally, E and I got out, for a whole afternoon! Best remedy for 2 new parents? Football, sun and beer.

I know, I know...

I announce my comeback and then go dormant for a week. Well, little Bloggy Friends, I am trying to wrap up some projects at work. Plus, I intended for this blog to be used for after-delivery purposes, as you do not want me to blog about my pregnancy. It won’t be pretty, especially when I get flamed.

So, I will be around here and there. Things to look forward to in upcoming posts:

• Leslie’s Bridal Shower
• The Big Name Debate (how we decided what to name our children)
• Some of the best advice I have received while pregnant
• Guest Bloggers such as E and Tiff of The Baby Luc fame
• Do you think I will deliver twins on our second wedding anniversary??
• My aversion to pink.
• Which camera do we take to the hospital? The real concern of two photographers about to become parents.

Sit tight friends.

Oh and P.S…. Could you all give me some good vibes to keep my kids in utero until at least 4:05 PM on Saturday so I can attend Leslie’s aforementioned bridal shower? Kthxbye.