Update # 2 = Olivia

Ooooooooo-livia. When we moved into E’s parents’ house in the beginning of March, Olivia was a pudgy little girl that was barely sitting on her own and barely had any hair. I mean, look at this picture taken the week before E’s surgery.

Six months must have been the turn-around for Liv, because she started to develop her little personality. I firmly believe that Olivia has some sort of agenda in life. What it is, I haven’t figured out yet. It’s like she was born cynical. Where she got that from, is truly beyond me. ::insert sarcasm:: But for real, look at this face. You tell me she’s not up to something.

However, once she gets over her “Stranger Danger” phase with people, she really is filled with smiles and giggles.

Olivia is probably the funniest baby I know. I know you’re thinking I am a loon for calling a baby funny, but trust me. Her facial expressions are enough to turn anyone’s bad day around. The most recent funny story I have is from the other night. Ethan woke up in the middle of the night and took awhile to calm down. I heard some stirring coming from Olivia’s crib and thought to myself, “Oh crap.” (thinking she was going to wake up too). But no, I turn around and see her standing in the crib with a look on her face that said to me, “Do I need to be up for this? Are we eating? Shut up Buddy.”

Obviously, a “you-had-to be-there-moment”, but it truly describes Olivia’s mostly laid back personality. She has developed a face that she uses when she’s having a really good time. We lovingly call it, “The Bunny Face”… Enjoy…

So we moved out of E’s parents’ house when Olivia was still pudgy (and we love every ounce of it), but had since learned to crawl and grew more blond hair. Really? Blond hair?

Some quick stats for the most frequently asked Olivia questions.

• She started to crawl on May 18, 2010. Her dad tempted her with the remote and later with my cell phone. What is it about babies and electronics? And how do I get the smell of baby slobber out of my BlackBerry?

• 9 months old and still no teeth. I am starting to think she is going to need dentures. She has been gnawing on her hand since she was 4 months old and everyone says, “Teeth are coming,” Lies. ALL LIES.

• Yes, she seems to be the boss out of the two.

• She weighed 19 pounds 6 ounces at her check up last week. I have to say I am a bit shocked because I thought for sure she’d be over 20 pounds.

• Yes, she sleeps through the night. Does she go to bed when her brother does? Naw…. She has a habit of wanting to play for a bit longer after her bottle. It’s nice to have some one on one time with her though.

She's our little girl!  Some may call her a princess ;)   And she still hates the camera.

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!

Blogger Fail

Wow... No entry since April 28th?  New record.   Well, bare with me as I play catch up.  In the meantime, remember when the babies were 8 month old?  No?   Alrighty-- here they are. And yes, these are from April 29th!

See you soon! 

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.

Dear Interwebs

Let us talk about cups. The sippy kind. When did you start to introduce them? How did you introduce them? Any words of wisdom?

Oh Crap.

 I forgot to post their 7 month photos.  Now you may view the nomness that is Twins of Reed.... Be prepared.  Although, those on Facebook have seen these for weeks now.

See you in a few days with their 8 month photos!

Dear Interwebs

It was a big weekend over at the Reed Compound this weekend. Ethan has figured out how to roll from a sitting position to his tummy. He then proceeds to scoot around in circles endlessly searching for the best toy ever! Once he realizes what those knees can do, we’re in trouble. Olivia is officially an ambi-turner and can roll over TO her tummy and BACK to her back. Once she realizes what those knees do, we’re in trouble. We’re in trouble.


All this being said… We have a few questions for the interwebs that seem to be Olivia-centric this week. Feel free to answer one or all in our comment box. Thanks for all your insights, we really appreciate them.


1. Now that Olivia is found on her tummy in the crib in the morning, do I leave her that way?

2. Do we leave a blanket in there for her? I have heard the many warning signs of leaving a blanket in there when a baby is getting all twisty and turny. But then I have also heard to give the child a friggin’ blanket.

3. Olivia now hates cereal. Hates fruit slightly less. Loves her veggies. Will she be ok without cereal since she won’t eat it (even when we mix it with fruit)?

Annnnnnnnnnd go!