Orthodontic Update, April 2009

I may be boring you but I am so amazed with James' transformation! It's just so interesting how fast his teeth have changed! He first had an expander put on that we turned twice a day over 16 days. You could visibly see his teeth move and his jaw widen. I mean, I know that was the point but I just had no idea that you would see the change so easily! So here is the transformation so far:

Before (June 30th)

16 Days Later

The full view of his teeth after the upper expansion. He was such a trooper with all these contraptions!!!


Braces on to further expand. (Sept 06)

These will stay on for a year and then come off and he'll have a retainer to 'hold' the expansion. When he has all his permanent teeth, he will get braces to straighten. See, quite a process right?

Okay, it's now Mid April and I'm back again to edit this with an update!

Amazing so far . . . (April 20th)

See how they were crazy crowded, then they made all the room with the huge gap between the front teeth by expanding the jaw (with the crank system) and now the braces are moving the teeth where they need to go and closed the front gap, moving the space to the sides for the adult molars that have to come in? Pretty cool stuff right? I've never had braces (want them, may get them, can't decide . . . ) so I have never seen this transformation and am quite impressed. It's only been 10 months!

(Just so you know, I think I will continue to update this post with new pictures and change the date so I don't have to always upload the same pictures over and over so stick this out and in like 5 years this post will have the complete transformation!)

Kiersten

Managing Or Thriving...I'm Unsure??

I was worried that it would be difficult to have twins and two big kids. I think I'm thriving....it's too early to know.....they're so perfect so they make it easy!

Easter 2009

Kate, Nana & I look the babes to the mall & discovered the Easter Bunny!

Happy Easter To My New Little Bundles of Love

We're Heading Home As Parents of FOUR!

I hate to leave the Sweet Twins!

I am SO sad that I had to leave the new babies! Alas, I do have a life and my own sweet family in Orlando that I did need to return to. I am glad to be home but keep thinking about Chloe and Kiersten and am so sad I won't see them every single day. I hope that Kim will continue to keep everyone and now ME up to date on how they are doing!!! I miss them so much and will always remember this amazing week where I was able to be a part of such a big miracle in Kim's family!

The Hankins Children

It was torture for Kate and Derrick to go to school today! Here they are--holding their babies as soon as they were able to get here!

Aunt Kiersten!!!!

I love self portraits! They are just too easy and I've become quite a pro! Here I am with my new nieces!

Brilliant Baby

This takes skills. 36 hour old baby feeds herself. What else would you expect from a Hankins? Kiersten

Life goes on . . .

Kim and Eric both found time late afternoon to connect with work and friends while the girls were sleeping. We are a very 'plugged in' family and even my Mom was texting pictures!!

First Mom and Twin pictures!

Picture fun. I took some pictures but the harsh lights in the room made the flash not work and they are kinda washed out. BUT they are the first Mom and twin photos so I have played a bit with them! I'll do better later . . .

Chloe is on the left of all the pictures, Kiersten on the right.

More Twin Pictures!

All the fast uploads were on my blackberry and though it did its job quite well, they are still mobile pictures! So, finally, here are a few better ones! I will have many more tomorrow. Here is Derrick, since I've already featured Katie, with his Dad right after the births! He is a very proud, happy Big Brother. And Dad looks quite relieved Kim made it through her biggest fear--needles and surgery! She did great!

For a quick update, Kim's blood pressure was rather high the last several weeks of her pregnancy and was not cooperating after the delivery either. She was kept in recovery much longer than we had hoped and is on some medication to help regulate this, which they think should be fine by tomorrow. We were blessed for them to 'screw up' a bit and put Eric (and the rest of his tag along family!) in the wrong room (thinking she'd be coming as normal) with the babies so we got to spend around an hour with them, waiting for her. Once they decided she needed a bit more monitoring, they moved her room and said she could not have the crazy amount of visitors that we had planned on! The kids were able to see her and then we all had to leave (Eric stayed, of course) so she could spend a quiet night with her babies, allowing her body to rest and stay as calm as possible. SO, I do not have any pictures of her with her twins at all! But she is happily with them now and probably having a much more peaceful time with them than she would have if we had all stayed! Tomorrow will bring us another day for 200 more pictures, right?

Okay, back to the babies!!!
Check out the hair! Chloe's is darker than any of Kim and Eric's other babies and we were all quite surprised! We can't wait to see how unique they are from each other as they grow up!

Here they are FINALLY on their way to meet their Mommy a bit before 5 pm. Huana and I both made them stop for more pictures but Eric didn't let us do that for too long . . . he's such a good Dad and husband!

Here is Big Sister Kate and Big Brother Derrick with them!

What a sweet family!

Kiersten

Before The Delivery

Here is what we were up to before the twins joined us. Kate is in a lot of pictures because, well, she's a girl. And she likes posing. And Derrick does not. So it's not fair but that's how it goes. She posed with all the 'stuff' that had to go with us today

Here is Eric in the pre-op room hanging out with me, Kiersten. The sign says we are scheduled at noon!

Check out the clock, um, where are the babies? Yes, we were creating things to take pictures of as we were both so nervous about our Kimmy!

Funny thing is, they were born minutes after this! It's AMAZING how fast things happen once they are ready!

Here's Princess Kate. She has been the only Hankins Princess for 8 years and this was right before she was to be joined by two more! So, in honor of her special place in this family as the head Princess, Aunt Kiersten gave her this crown!

We were all worried the kids would get really bored and over all this but they were so good and enjoyed this day SO much! They were at the hospital for 7 hours and I don't think there was 1 minutes without a smile.

What a special day!

The Hankins Twins are HERE!

Kim's C-Section has begun!!!

Chloe Grace 8 lbs 5 oz

Kiersten Joy 7 lbs 10 oz

Time is still hazy but around 2 minutes apart and around 12:35-12:45???

That's pretty much 16 pounds of babies!!!!

Kim seeing one of them for the first time . . .

Bringing the girls out to meet their family!!!

Eric has Chloe and I have Kiersten.

PROUD Derrick and Kate, Big Brother and Big Sister! This is in front of the nursery right after Eric and I brought them in!

they are here!

Chloe 8 lbs 5 oz and Kiersten 7 lbs 10 oz and adorable!

Internet is NOT making me happy but I'll post pics soon!!

We are at the hospital!

They have taken Kim back (40 minutes ago?) and we are waiting for them to call Eric and I!!! So exciting! Here is the last family picture of the Hankins family with 4 members!!!

Kim's belly, 24 hours before

Here is her belly progression! The most recent picture was taken 24 hours before she delivers!!

Baby Weight and Octomom nonsense

So some people are speculating on the weight of the babies. The sonographer estimates they will both weigh around 7 1/2 lbs each. Kim feels like they could be close to 8 lbs each. It's all a guessing game. Mom, who has 'been there, done that', thinks that they will be 8 lbs and 8lbs 6 oz. Now for a comparison, when we were born, Kim weighed 8 lbs 8 oz and I weighed 6 lbs 5 oz.

Kim and I found it interesting, and another time waster on bedrest, to research and compare her healthy full term twins weight total to the Octomom's very early 8 babies. You should know that with all the info out there on this crazy woman, it was really hard to find an actual news article that listed this information. Dr. Phil came through for us. As many of you (especially facebook friends) are aware, Kim went on complete bedrest right around the time these babies were born. Hard to make fun when I'm considering these tiny preemie babies but lets move on from them and focus on the mother--this insane woman has given Kim uncountable hours of amusement! From the first news reports that quickly transitioned into questionable ethic and moral issues to the first interview to all that have followed, she hasn't missed (I'm sure she's horrified to admit) a minute of it. Right up to last night's Dr. Phil interview that her afternoon was centered around watching! Crazy Nayda has carried her through bedrest and not only amused her but made her feel like her growing belly didn't look that bad! So the 8 babies weighed 19 lbs 8 oz total. For 8 babies, that is not a whole lot. Many have seen her crazy belly pictures and she did have 6 sacs (Kim has 2 since her twins are fraternal) so she was certainly bigger than Kim but I don't think Kim is too far behind her! Kim's babies will not be close to 20 lbs (My, they better not be!!) but they could be 14-16 total, easily! We will know in less than 24 hours!

I don't think blogs are fun without pictures, so I will leave you with some final Octomom humor. Being on bedrest makes you feel a bit insane so watching the 'play by play' of this actual insaneness happening during this time will forever be a memory of Kim's pregnancy!

Kiersten

People and Things Kim is THANKFUL for!!

Pop Tarts & Cheerios: You kept me from throwing up hundreds of times those first few months, I felt like a toddler eating dry cheerios but I didn't really care!
The 12 Pack: For listening to me hourly. No girl is luckier than I. You're the best friends ever. Thanks for keeping me calm, sane and laughing.
My Blanket: Your the most comfy blanket ever and you've made bedrest tolerable (thanks mom).
Augusta Lunch Establishments: I couldn't shop or frolic around town but I could manage to go to lunch with friends for many months. Thanks for giving me a reason to get out of the house. A special thanks to the restaurants with movable tables so I could give myself an extra few inches as I grew.
Facebook: for providing stupid quizzes that amused me for hours. Thanks to all the friends who filled them out just to amuse me, especially Mitch....because I know men don't love reflecting upon the color crayon that best represents them. Facebook is the best way for me to chat with high school, college and local friends at the same time!
The Octomom: You're a train wreck & you're a loon. Thank you for amusing me with endless hours of nutty interviews. I pray you bring home your babies, shut off the cameras and get your act together you nutty chick.
Columbia County Baseball: Thank you for your impeccable timing. I figured baseball season would start the WEEK I give birth and you came through for us. What a busy week this will be. FOUR practices AND deliver a couple babies...we can do it!!
New York City: For it's over stimulating environment which helped distract Eric and I when we shockingly discovered we were pregnant there. Special thanks for Wicked, The Yankees & Grand Central Station. That Thursday afternoon was not without excitement.
My Big Red Tray: I was served dozens of meals on my great red tray and it made eating in bed easy and pretty.
Jen: My best friend since I was 8! Still the greatest, thanks for all the calls, all the packages and all the love.
Bunko Babes: It's so important to have a group of women to lean on & count on...thank you for being that group to me in Augusta. I love each of you & your wine, I'm looking forward to drinking with you again!!
Karen, the needle person at my Dr's office: One of the many divine interventions I've had this year. IF I must be around needles, she's the girl to be holding them.
Pam, my business partner: You started a business with a busy body and ended up being in business with a chick on bed rest! Thanks for your patience! I'll be back to my over achieving ways soon!
My Neighbors: For amusing my kids & taking them places! Especially Julie & Kris!
My Twin Mom Friends: Even though I'm a twin, I need lots of advice on bringing home 2 babes. Thank you for your wisdom...I'll be calling or emailing when they're not sleeping through the night!
Lee: The funniest and best counselor a friend could ask for. Thanks for the diversions when needed and the lecturing when called for. You're right, this year has been a miracle. I owe you more atomic fireballs.
My Laptop & Cellphone: Ha. My 2 favorite things. How do people survive on bed rest without a laptop? My cell allowed me to call mom on the home phone every time I needed company.....or food.
Comedy Central and E: These ridiculous channels provided me with great background noise from midnight to 3am when I tossed and turned and couldn't sleep.
Glenn Beck: My favorite news guy. He actually ensured I didn't lose too many brain cells these past 9 months.
That Black Long Dress I Magically Found At Target With Gwenn: You're the only maternity item that still fits me. I love you. I'm unsure what I would be wearing now if I didn't have you?
My Weekly Television Shows: You helped pass the hours, you know who you are: Greys, Brothers and Sisters, Desperate Housewives, Private Practice, Ghost Whisperer.
Gwenn, Shelley, Sheri & Debby: My favorite Augusta girls who are always there for lunch or tears or advice or motivation. Only real friends can give you "nipple therapy" at lunch. Love you all.
My St Teresa Church Family: Your prayers and love were (are) much needed. I love our church & adore everyone who has supported our family this year and in years past.
Gwenn: I could have never made it through my fall obligations without you. Thank you for taking over my life and not bopping me on the head for being so over extended.
My Air Conditioner: I've never needed you more. I think I would have been committed if I had not had you to make my life manageable. My ceiling fan deserves a thank you as well.
AKPsi Friends: We're still supporting each other beyond tests and hangovers. You know I adore you all. Heather, I'm counting on you showing up in the waiting room when I give birth!
Renee and Andy: You gave our babies a cousin her age, what a gift!
Mom & Dad: you moved in to take on the fun jobs...dinner, cleaning, shopping, nurturing the kids and everything else that I should have been doing. You're the best parents ever, I'm not sure how we would have survived without you. You gave up your life for us and I promise we'll do the same for you when you're old and drooling! Love you!
Huana: Weekly visits to get us back on track and to amuse the kiddos is so helpful! I hate to sound like Hillary, but it does take a village!
Kiersten: The best twin ever. You became my personal shopper and decorator. You've been a huge source of amusement during this pregnancy but you amuse me when I'm not pregnant so that's no surprise. The twins will love you just as much as the rest of the world.
Kate and Derrick: for being the most flexible kids ever, our lives totally changed and you just smiled since we could do nothing else. Thank you for all the water (with ice, straw, lemon) you brought me & for being so excited to see your new sisters. No mommy could be luckier and these little babies are the luckiest babies ever.
Eric: You covered me in lotion every night & pulled me up 1,000 times & told me I still look beautiful even though I think you're lying. You're the best man and husband a girl could ever wish for. Thanks for giving up all your free time this year for us. I'll make sure you can golf again soon. I can't wait to see you with our four children, that's a crazy thought, it's what we always wanted! I love you most.
God: In delaying these 2 little gifts you made us truly realize how blessed we are. Thank you for entrusting us with these miracles!!

Kim

Kim is days away!

Kiersten here! I thought I'd show you Kim, less than 48 hours before her twins arrive! This is her life now, and what it has been for a while. Kim, in bed, on her computer! She has her cell phone to call downstairs for Mom to feed her. Mom is an angel! Okay, back to Kim, imagine this--today is Monday and she has not left this bedroom since her doctor's appointment last Monday! What busy body can handle this? She's going crazy! I'm having fun editing these pictures as she is not loving herself with no makeup on so I'm focuing on the belly here!
To be fair, since she is not too amused with her swollen self, I thought I'd show you a picture of her shortly before this amazing twin pregnancy began! Here she is this past June, right before she got pregnant! I love that this fabulous picture is one of the last pictures of Kim and her only princess at the time, Kate. Now there will be three princesses! We would never have imagined this would be happening 10 months later . . . .

Okay, back to the current Kim. Here she is at 38 weeks, 3 days pregnant! If you are unfamiliar with the statistics of how long twins are usually carried until delivery, the norm is 35-36 weeks. For the 3rd pregnancy of an "advanced maternal age" Mommy, getting this far is rather extraordinary! In order to really grasp the size of the belly, do consider the proportion of it to her chest. Yes, that brings this a bit into light doesn't it--her belly is HUGE! Now, in the year of the Octomom, she's totally tiny but otherwise, WOW!

This one shows her mood a bit. She's D.O.N.E.!!!!!!! Based on how much the twins are moving, I think they are too!

Wednesday at noon is when Kim and Eric will finally meet their twins. Kate and Derrick are really looking forward to the arrival and Derrick even said last week, "this is worse than waiting for Christmas". Pretty sweet, right?

Stay tuned . . . .

Kiersten

I'm Still Pregnant....But Not For Long!!

Well....I use to blog a reasonable amount.....until I became pregnant! I had a crazy July. I went on a cruise with my high school girlfriends, returned home for 2 days and went to New York City with my family. The second day there I woke up with full on pregnancy symptoms which shocked me. On our way to the Statue of Liberty, I bought a pregnancy test. I took the test back at our hotel and got an immediate positive! I sat in the broadway show "Wicked" just a few hours later stunned at this news. We came home days later and I immediately started bloodwork since I was high risk. One week later (at 7 weeks pregnant) we only had mediocre results to the bloodwork and we had an ultrasound. I was SO sick & SO tired we were thinking twins was an option...mom & Eric thought that...I was just praying I'd stay pregnant. Right away the tech said "are you taking fertility drugs?". I said "no, is it twins?".....that was an amazing day. Later the tech said "Dr. Morgan Gibbs loves multiples, she's going to be so excited" to which I replied "Well, she told me NOT to get pregnant again since I can't seem to stay pregnant so I'm not sure how excited she may be!". I went home drugged up to stay pregnant and I haven't had the energy to blog since!! That is all history now!

It's been a L...O...N...G pregnancy but I'm having our twins in less than two weeks. I am on full bedrest, I can barely turn over by myself and the hours seem to crawl by! But...I don't care! I am so happy to be pregnant with twins! I feel like God is rewarding me for something, but I'm not sure what!!! I feel so blessed.....for this miracle (miracles!!) and for my friends and family.

The current twins (that's Kiersten & I) will blog about the arrival of the new twins once we have some action!! The big day is March 18th! Keep praying please!

Much love!

~Kim

The birthday cake!

I promised you all that I would show you the AWESOME cake that I had made for my friend Julie's 40th surprise birthday party! Here it is! Couldn't be any cuter, right?? If you are in Central Florida, Prudence is our Fondant Queen! www.glassslippercakery.com

Here we are walking up to Dexter's when she realized the patio is filled with all her friends and they yelled "Surprise!" So fun! Here are a few pictures from our fun evening!

What a fun party!! She had a great night and I so enjoyed being able to help her celebrate!