Twin "Hamsters"

4th of July

2010-07-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday!

2010-05-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

Kevin and Kaitlyn turned 1 on April 30th. So far, we have one walker (Kevin) and Kate is not far behind, there's lots of chattering going on in our house, but no actual words (but lots of clapping and holding up a finger to show how old they are), Kate has 4 teeth and Kevin still has none, and they have graduated to "big baby" car seats. We can't believe our babies are actually one, where did the year go?!

Go Sounders!

2010-03-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

Although Kevin and Kaitlyn are busy playing for Arsenal and Chelsea, respectfully, they still have time to root on the Sounder's. They even dressed Bean in a Sounder scarf for opening day...

A little dirt don't hurt

2010-03-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

Fun times at our BFF Nora's house

Almost a year!

2010-03-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

Upon request...

Upon request...

Pics in action!

2010-02-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the videos not working...here's a couple pictures of the babies in action.
Kate hasn't been too enthused about rolling/crawling around on the ground like her brother. She's more content standing, pulling herself up, and figuring how to balance, which might mean she'll go straight to walking??!!
Keven has proven to be a typical boy, going after anything he's not supposed to, including dirt, beans' food dish, lamps, etc. Notice him under the crib, and inside "command central"!
The challenge has begun.

We've got ACTION!

2010-01-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

nom nom nom

2010-01-05T18:00:00.001-08:00

IMG_4120
Originally uploaded by rschroed

We're eating blueberries avocado for lunch these days!

everybody but Wesley! Love It!

2009-12-08T18:05:00.001-08:00

everybody but Wesley! Love It!
Originally uploaded by big T

Cama Beach with Ryan, Tricia, and Claudia. Beautiful, fun weekend!! (Wesley is R&T's cat).

IMG_4006

2009-11-28T21:34:00.001-08:00

IMG_4006
Originally uploaded by rschroed

Happy Turkey Day!!

2009-11-26T13:59:00.000-08:00

Bedtime Giggles

2009-11-25T21:15:00.000-08:00

Tummy Time and Bouncin'

2009-11-24T13:25:00.000-08:00

1st food....carrots!! Kaitlyn loves 'em, Kevin is not a fan....

2009-11-05T18:24:00.000-08:00

Cannon Beach

2009-10-21T20:04:00.001-07:00

We managed to make it to Cannon beach for our third anniversary on October 14th. It was so nice to spend a couple days at the beach with "the fam". Can't believe the twins are gonna be 6 months old on the 30th!!

Kev's buddy Finn is born!! Congrats Patrick and Veronica!

2009-09-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

Jorgan and Michelle's Wedding

2009-09-12T22:01:00.001-07:00

Kev realized he has a tongue yesterday and can't stop sticking it out!

2009-09-12T21:51:00.001-07:00

Visit with Grandma and Grandpa Sullivan

2009-09-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

Soccer in Bellingham

2009-08-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

Mary had a tournament up here this weekend so the babies hung out at the park with Tyler and Kyle. They are already getting the itch to kick the ball around....

Go Rangers!

Are you sleeping or watching the game?

July, what a busy and fun month!

2009-08-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

Well, the babies are now 3 months old and July was quite busy for them. Check out the pics of what we did...

The 4th in Port Townsend

The cabin in Verlot

The Sounders vs. Chelsea game. Kev already knows the right team to cheer for!

Right after Kaitlyn rolled over for the first time (we're still waiting on Kevin. He just likes to chill on his tummy!).

Nika's shower - Sara, Nora, and Lily playing with Kevin and Kate.

K&K meet Oliva

2009-07-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

K&K sure had a good time meeting Livi. Thanks for driving all that way Nick and Kate. Can't wait to spend more time with all of you guys.

Last couple of weeks have flown by!

2009-06-29T21:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry for slacking on the posting of new photos. The last couple of weeks have flown by. Check out the newest photos at 2 months. I can't believe its already been two months.

First of many family trips to Seattle

2009-05-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Made a great trip to Seattle to see the Wellnitz family. So glad to be able to see Great Grandpa Wellnitz, the Seattle cousins and the Portland group.

Check out the rest of the photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/schroed/sets/72157618892609958/

Grandma and Great Grandma Eilers come to town

2009-05-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

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Check out the rest at http://www.flickr.com/photos/schroed/sets/72157618809017483/

The Wellnitz Family Photos will be posted soon!

BFF's

2009-05-18T10:55:00.001-07:00

Weigh ins!

2009-05-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

The Dude and the Little Lady had their two week weigh in...and everything looked great. They both are heavier than their original birth weight by 2 oz's.

Grandma Visit

2009-05-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks for coming up and letting us go out for our first lunch date post K & K. The Dude and The Little Lady really like hanging out with you for the day.

First Locker Room

2009-05-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

Check out the twins first locker room of what may be London's best in about 20 years.

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

A special Happy Mothers Day goes out to all this morning. Colleen and Claudia, thank you for all that you have done over the years, Kate and Kev are really excited to have you both as grandmas, and Mary and I are very lucky to have you as moms.

P.S. - We took our first walk yesterday!

Hi BFF!

2009-05-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

Nora, we're still a little sleepy from the crazy experiences in the past week, tell your mom thanks for the cute hats!

Auntie Suz and Auntie Stiner really liked the hats as well.

Baby Picture @ St. Joes

2009-05-05T19:44:00.000-07:00

Check out the page the hospital set up on the birth:
Kaitlyn Michelle:
http://www.newbabynews.net/hospitals/stj5/public/stj5birthannouncement.pl?babyID=h5-12015http://www.newbabynews.net/hospitals/stj5/public/stj5birthannouncement.pl?babyID=h5-
Kevin Patrick:
12014

Photos

2009-05-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

Check em' all out. We've gotta get back to K&K!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/schroed/sets/72157617650637899/

Absolutely Beautiful Babies!!!

2009-05-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

K&K are healthy as can be. Kevin ended up at 20.75 inches and 7 lbs 4 oz. Kaitlyn is 19.75 inches and 5 lbs 15 oz. Mary is doing wonderful and the family of 4 begins. Looks like we are at the hospital until Monday afternoon to make sure everyone is comfortable before we come home. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers.

Check out the first round of photos, many more to follow:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/whole/sets/72157617437625151/

Kaitlyn and Kevin

2009-04-30T17:51:00.001-07:00

Kaitlyn and Kevin
Originally uploaded by rschroed

Babies!!!!!!!! Kevin & kaitlyn are healthy and goregous. Kp just had a blowout. Gotta go

Off to the Hospital

2009-04-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

April 30th has finally arrived, gorgeous morning, sun is shining, Mary and I are very excited to meet Kevin and Kaitlyn. Thanks for all of the prayers and thoughts.

Almost there!!!

2009-04-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

Well, we have almost made it. Less than 12 hours to go. We can't wait to finally meet the twins...and I am sure we are not the only ones...Check out K & K's BFF. http://norabentley.wordpress.com/2009/04/30/145/

Tick - Tock

2009-04-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Not that we're watching the clock. Less than 48 hours to go. Easy to say, the anticipation and anxiousness levels are very high. We think the babies are trying to escape...out the top of Mary's belly. It is so stretched to the max that every time they move it looks like they are going to burst out of the paper thin barrier. It looks alot like this (+ 7 more limbs).

Back by popular demand

2009-04-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

Mary's belly!!! Here it is at 37 weeks and 2 days...Only 6 days or less to go!!

If you were wondering how soon-to-be Dad is...check it out for yourself.

And last but definitely not least... if adorable Norah Bentley doesn't make the twins want to make their appearance we're not sure what will!

Spring Bloom

2009-04-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

Well, April 23rd has almost come and gone...Looks like the babies are as ready to bloom as the tulips in front of the house. We may have to wait for 7 more days after all. Thanks for all the effort to try and get them to come today, especially soon-to-be Aunt Tricia.

UPDATE!!!!!!

2009-04-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

Dr. Appointment today....lots of progress. Measuring 44 weeks of belly love, dilated 1 cm and 80% efaced. Non-stress test was "text-book perfect". Great heartbeats and consistent contractions. Tomorrow...ultrasound. Keep ya posted...only 9 days left, if we make that far!!!!

Beans is ready!!

2009-04-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

As you can tell, Beans is definately ready for the twins....10 Days to go!

11 Days and Counting!!!

2009-04-19T10:51:00.000-07:00

House is ready, yard is ready, Mary is really really ready...Only days (11) to go!!!!

Happy Easter and 29th B-Day

2009-04-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to everyone and a special Happy B-Day to Mary. We had a great day with Grandma to-be (Claudia) and Great Grandma to-be (Roby) along with Hillary and Jimmy. We all had a great time. Check out the photos from "can't wait for my birthday wish to come true" to "why won't that last candle just blow out"....Mary came clean afterwards and let us know that the birthday wish was that the twins come tonight....too bad no little easter and b-day twins for us.

Shower of Thanks!!!

2009-04-06T22:27:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the shower, Jen, Tara, and Mom. Thanks for everyone attending and for all of the lovely gifts for Kat and Kev. Here are a few photos!!!!

Nursery Rhyme!

2009-04-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for the Shower this morning, beautiful day for it as well. Kevin and Kaitlyn can't wait to meet everyone.

Beans turns 3! Twins turn 33 weeks!

2009-03-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Beans finally grew up and became a lady. Check out her pink collar and chew toy she got for her b-day. We made it a big deal this year because she will soon find herself last on the family priority list and thats going to be a BIG transition for her.

Dr. appointment went really well today, the Dr. thought we haven gotten three blessings so far, the babies the first two and the very healthy pregnancy the third. Lets all pray that the good health continues. Mary is carrying the babies very well and it sounds like we may have 5 weeks left. We scheduled an appointment for April 30th, the Dr. wasn't available for May-Day, to induce or have C-Section. That is of course if the twins don't decide to come a little bit earlier. Were still hoping that KP will hurry up and get head down so we can have a chance at a birth without surgery. We'll see, either way will be absolutely amazing.

Speaking of amazing, congrats Meg & Scott, it was absolutely beautiful to be there for the birth of little Nora Bentley Alexander.

Kevin and Kaitlyn are doing excellent. Both have great weight gain (4lbs 12oz and 4lbs 8oz). Our guess is that we will have a little "Schroeder" girl and a little "Wellnitz" boy. Kat has a long femur and the cutest little "chubby" rolls. KP still has a large head and a shorter femur.

Oh yah, have we let everyone know that we have decided on names? Actually, we've heard that the worlds worst secret keeper, Brian Patrick "Grandpa" Wellnitz, has already let the family know. It'll be Kaitlyn Michelle and Kevin Patrick.

32 weeks and 2 days.....not that we're counting!

2009-03-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

The twins probably weigh about 4.5 pounds each and Mary is feelin' it! We only have to make it to 34 weeks to guarantee that they will be born in Bellingham, but our goal is 36/37 weeks (full term for twins) so keep your fingers crossed! We have another ultrasound next week so hopefully they'll be lookin' good and healthy! If we get photos we'll be sure to post 'em. Hope you all had a great St. Paddy's day....Mary felt the twins step dancing all day inside her belly.

Sounders for life!! Rave Green rocks!!!

2009-03-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

Sounders win, first game ever...Sounds like Portland might be next in line for a MLS team. It sure will be fun to come down to hang out with the fam and watch the best rivalry in the MLS.

Can't wait for the twins to be proud fans of, or playing for the Sounders in 20 some odd years.

Also, a couple of quite funny posts about someone worrying about his pregnant wife going into labor during the middle of the first Sounders game. Check it out by looking at the March 19 posts http://gosounders.com/

P.S. Congrats to John and Gina for their new addition Georgia June, born the day after St. Patty's Day. We can't wait for M&S's little Nora(h) to join us as well.

Out with old...In with the new

2009-03-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to G-ma Roby, the delivery skills of Craig and the weekly storage unit in the back of Ryan and Tricia's place.....the twins will have a new washer and dryer. Just in time for influx of a ton of new laundry. Mary is really looking forward to it. Check out the old crappy set and the shiny new set.

Rody Horse

2009-03-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

Props to M&S, the proud soon-to-be parents of Nora(h), for showing us the coolest toys around. Check it out at http://www.rodytoy.com/

30 week ultrasound

2009-03-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

Everything is going along as planned. Kaitlyn, or baby B, caught up with Kevin, or baby A, in weight. They both are about approx. 3 lbs. 7 oz., which is the 56 percentile. Right on track. As you can see from the ultrasound KP is already showing his own set of large "Schroeder Lips". Hopefully he won't get made fun of for his set of kissers as much as I did for mine.

Twin Video

2009-02-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

Mary was hoping I would post a cute video, sooo here ya go.

OK fine, you really want to see cute twins, try this one "Twin Baby Boys Laughing at Each Other".

Belly on Parade

2009-02-18T22:20:00.000-08:00

7 months down, only 2 to go.... Does anyone get why pregnancy is actually 10 months and everyone always say 9? Kinda confusing to me. Only one birthing class to go. Everyone is healthy, which is what we all have been hoping for. My guess is that the twins will come April 23rd. Any guesses, good luck and prize to whoever is closest!!!!

Name the "Hamsters" II

2009-01-30T12:49:00.000-08:00

Check out the new poll that has the final cut of names for the Twins. From the original poll it looks like Kevin and Katelynn are in the lead, but we'll have to wait and see.

FYI: Gov. of Illinios style bribes will also sway the votes if anyone is interested. Large sums of money only!!!!

89th percentile

2009-01-28T21:46:00.000-08:00

Turns out that the twins are growing at a very good rate. The boy is about 1 lb 15 oz, and the girl is 1 lb 11 oz. The boys head is in the 89th percentile, making our ultrasound tech question our due date. Turns out our boy has a Schroeder head. Mary blaming the whole thing on me, although she secretly knows that the Wellnitz's (Patrick and Brian) heads aren't something to take lightly. We need to make sure that the twin grow concurrently from now on, so lets all start praying for them to grow at the same rate. Doctor Mora looks for a difference in weight at less than an approximately 10% difference and we are currently at 13%. We aren't too worried about it at this stage because the twins have been a different weight from day one and Dr. Mora is confident that since they both have their own placenta (food source) one isn't getting more nutrients than the other. In addition, they are their own person and one is just larger than the other. The good thing is that they are both head down and in a good position (large head first) so we may still be able to avoid a C-section. We'll see, it was just very reassuring to see that they were healthy and growing well.

6 Down, 3 to go!!!

2009-01-24T08:18:00.001-08:00

As you can see the babies have been growing. Looks like we might be measuring a full month ahead, at least that is what the Dr. is saying. Another ultrasound on Tuesday, so we'll get a better idea then. We're guessing the twins will be about 1.5-2 pounds each, which is pretty good overall. What we think is still the boy, unless they have switched positions, is kicking much more than the girl. Not quite sure though, its a pretty small space to have two humans growing in!!!! Almost there with the nursery, just have to change the color to something a little less neon. We'll make sure to post a picture when it is done. Finally, we started birthing classes couple of weeks ago, with a hippy doula from Bellingham. She's been great and actually a twin herself. The 2.5 hour classes are a little long though, but we only have 6 classes left. Off to soccer.

4 months to go

2009-01-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

Hope the holidays went well, ours sure did, and it was nice to see everyone. Here in Bellingham the snow is finally melting...and the babies are a growing. Due to all of the holiday festivities we forgot to post the 5 month photo, so here it is.

Nesting begins!!!

2008-12-22T18:33:00.000-08:00

Starting to work on the babies' room. Hopefully the first color will work. Pretty Green though, so we'll see. Everyone says that a baby's room should be bright and cheery, but as you know our color pallette is a little muted, so we're trying to get used to Celery Sprig (lime green).

Yipee, We get one of each!!!

2008-12-16T21:42:00.001-08:00

We can't believe it really happened!!!! We are actually blessed with a little girl and little boy at the same time. It just goes to show that if you want it bad enough, sometimes it really comes true. In case you were wondering, I am pretty sure you will be able to tell which one is which (just look at the arrows in pic 2 & 3, both babies were facing head down, bum up toward the camera). **Pictures enlarge if you click on them** In the first picture it looks like the younger sister (she'll be delivered second) is already kissing the older brother's bum.

Also, there will be a new poll to come, with Boy and Girl combo's!

Christmas Gift

2008-12-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

A small look into Christmas 09'...Tyler figuring out his new HDTV...Mary with her feet up enjoying a candy cane from the tree...and the rest of the family playing googley eyes with the twins.

p.s. less than a week until we know what we get for Christmas this year. Grandpa Sullivan's intuition says two boys (Kieran & Finbar). Scott says two girls (Probably so Brucie doesn't feel lonely). We're hoping for insta' family, boy and girl...As I have alway said with an instant family comes "Tie em' up we're done, on to the next adventure"

Lets hear what you all think we're going to have.

Warming Bean up to her upcoming life change

2008-12-02T21:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Grandma-to-be Eilers (with the help from secret shopper Jill), it is becoming more and more apparent to Beatrice Beans that life will soon change for the better...or maybe worse dependent on who you ask!

The Belly @ 4 months (16 weeks)

2008-11-26T17:17:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the debut of The Belly, much to Mary's dismay. Don't worry, I will persuade her to give us all monthly, if not bi-monthly, updates. Happy Turkey Day!!!

Spirit or Totem Animal

2008-11-24T21:58:00.000-08:00

Another perspective on what a "Hamster" truly is...from a guide on spiritual or totem animals that represent life lessons: Hamster -- Bringing like minded together, a time to explore new possibilities, a time for communal spirituality.

I'll let you guess for yourselves who shared this with us. That secret will be kept for their own sake...We can always be rest assured to find the real meaning from you, Thanks.

Sibling Rivalry Begins

2008-11-21T19:25:00.000-08:00

We had an ultrasound appointment this week...everything looks great...heart beats....belly growth...and the twins were starting their rivalry already bouncing around, kicking and punching each other. For a little science lesson, check out the growth and development of twins throughout pregnancy with this slide show; http://tinyurl.com/6fxb7k

p.s. come back next week for a real life belly at 16 weeks.

"Hamsters"

2008-11-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

In case you were wondering if they are rodents or twins from Bellingham. Rightly coined from the Western Front; "The name "Hamster" comes from Bellingham citizens calling themselves "Bellinghamsters," or for a recognized news organization, see this Seattle times article; http://tinyurl.com/6gf39q

Due Date

2008-11-05T22:23:00.000-08:00

May 11th, 2008 here we come.....That is if the "Twin Hamsters" stay inside for the whole 40 weeks. Lets try and manifest our reality for a due date of May Day....Help us out and think May Day, May Day, May Day over and over again. Wait a second...I (Tyler) just realized that is only 176 days away.

Oh, do you see what I see?

2008-11-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what it is like when the Nurse turns to you and says, "Ohh, oh, do you see what I see?" This after 15 minutes of up to this point, one of the most joyous yet quite fuzzy (Ultrasound) moments of our lives. After the tears clear up, Mary and I realized we don't just have a Baby Schroeder, but much better, we have a Baby A and a Baby B. The "Twin Hamsters." So, from that day on, with two strong heart beats our journey to twinhood began.