Rachel and Brian

Looking forward to baseball season

2011-01-08T11:22:00.002-10:00

Getting ready for Santa!

2010-12-12T02:50:00.002-10:00

Storytime and playing

2010-12-02T14:20:00.002-10:00

Evan trapped a wild animal!

2010-12-01T16:05:00.003-10:00

The laundry basket is pretty much their favorite toy...go figure.

My silly monkeys

2010-12-01T15:55:00.002-10:00

Best buddies 4-ever!

Minor meltdown lol

See....happy again :)

Big smiles!

and funny faces :)

Boys' 1st Thanksgiving!

2010-11-29T10:06:00.000-10:00

All tuckered out.

Up to no good

2010-07-26T12:49:00.002-10:00

The boys are already up to no good together...hehehe

I love that they are starting to recognize one another more.

They will be playing together before we know it :)

Sorry I don't post enough.....who woulda thought I'd be so busy. ha

They could be baby models

2010-06-12T14:08:00.005-10:00

Jackson

Evan

Jackson

Evan

Jackson

Evan

Jackson & Evan

My lovely lil family

The cutest piggies you have ever seen...I could eat every last one of them!

Sleeping lil angels!

Woo Woo!!!

Photo Shoot

2010-04-19T11:53:00.004-10:00

Thanks for the onesies Nat! We love them!

Here's some pics of our handsome lil' men!

Believe me it was extremely hard narrowing down pics.

Jackson shootin' the bird!

Our Happy Lil' Family!

Our Lil' Burritos!

2010-04-12T12:52:00.000-10:00

You could just eat them up!

Happy Birthday Jackson & Evan!

2010-04-11T07:16:00.002-10:00

Jackson Brian & Evan Michael are here!!!

4-5-10.

Jackson was 6lbs. 5 oz, 19 3/4 in.

and Evan was 5lbs. 10 oz., and 19 1/2 in.

Tomorrow

2010-04-04T14:46:00.002-10:00

Is the BIG day! =)

I can't believe it's finally here!!!

Can't wait to meet our precious lil boys!!!!

We will hopefully be able to post some pics, weights, heights, etc. on here by tomorrow night, so stay tuned!!

36 weeks

2010-03-24T12:43:00.003-10:00

Sorry this is a lil' late.

Here's 36 weeks, 5 days

Just returned from an OB appointment.

The boys are in all kinds of crazy positions, frequently changing...NEVER head down.

Oh well.

Everything is looking good!

On schedule for April 5th...prob not a moment sooner

(I think these boys are pretty comfy)

Apparently the OB practice will be shutting down the morning of my c-section. The 2 doctors like to assist one another during surgery, and my midwife will also be there (she's the 1 who has followed me this whole time).

I feel so special!

It's gonna be a big party.

Counting Down!

2010-03-19T10:00:00.002-10:00

It's official.

Our lil' boys will be here no later than . . .

April 5th, 2010!

I am scheduled to be induced & have a c-section if I don't go into labor before then.

17 days!!!

We can't wait to meet them!!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2010-03-17T07:34:00.003-10:00

I don't know how much longer they will continue this lil' taste of heaven. . .

I just hope it doesn't end today.

I heart you Shamrock Shake.

Thanks for tasting soooo sooooo good & always cheering me up!

Yes. I did just devote this holiday to a food item.

Lately, all I can think about is what I'm gonna eat next.

Nothing...and I mean NOTHING satisfies my hunger.

Anyways, hope you have a great St. Patty's Day!

Go pick up a shamrock shake! It's a beautiful thing.

Saturn Project

2010-03-16T13:48:00.002-10:00

Lately my brother Brandon has had a couple school projects.

My mom is not very crafty, so she asked for my help.

I don't mind at all...I actually reaaaaallly enjoy school projects and helping my brother create & write his reports.

I'm sure I will have a lot of these types of projects in the future with our boys!

We have been working on a Flat Stanley Project for school, where he sends his "Flat Stanley" character out around the globe, then people take pics with him & send him back with letters about where he went & what he did (Thanks Nat, Ethan, Kade, & Add for doing Utah!)

TODAY, we worked on his Saturn Project.

We made a mobile of all the planets accurately depicting their colors/sizes/distance from the sun.

Then we read a book about Saturn & compiled a 2 min. presentation consisting of fun facts.

I think it turned out nicely.

Here he is showing off his project!

Crazy positions.

2010-03-14T14:28:00.002-10:00

This is not normal.

This is what happens when the babies wanna make more space.

This is Baby A sticking his head out.

In case you were wondering...it's not very comfortable.

Sorry if it frightens you.

35 weeks

2010-03-12T05:49:00.004-10:00

We have hit the 35 week mark (roughly)

Yayyy!!! Hopefully the boys will cook another 2-3 weeks & gain lots of weight!!

Here's me at 35 weeks.

Typically I do not get dressed up. I mainly sit around in pj's & yoga pants.

BUT I met my new OB yesterday...he's handsome & I wanted to look nice.

Errr not like a scrub.

What's new?

My new OB, Dr G., is very nice & so is his practice.
We will now be delivering at Virtua Voorhees.
The boys are in new positions. One is now sitting on top of the other's head. Still not ideal for a natural delivery.
We had an U/S today & saw the boys. And had a non-stress test. Rough estimate. . .

Baby A-5lbs., 4 oz.

Baby B-5lbs.

Yayyyy boys! They are over the 5lb. mark!

Tomorrow we see the chiropractor. Worth a shot!

We would post pics from the ultrasound, but it's pretty crowded in there, so basically all the pics are is, a butt here, a head here, a body there....nothing all in the same shot.

Otherwise, their heart rates are good, they are moving LOTS & growing well.

ALL good stuff to report.

Keep them in your prayers!

Leaving the comfort/safety of my couch.

2010-03-03T08:13:00.004-10:00

So I went to Riverwinds today. . .

(our community center)

I wanted to feel how buoyant I was in the water, & also see if it would help the boys flip.

<---nice pool huh?

Thoughts. . .

(in no particular order)

I am pain free in the water. It was GLORIOUS!
The water was the perfect temperature. Bath water?
It felt good to be active again & swim some slow laps.
I miss working out. A lot
I don't waddle when I walk in the water. woo-hoo!
I miss Kate, Jen, & Em & our laps at the Ko'Olina Lagoons after work.
I look HOT in a bikini. ha Especially when the boys make my belly all deformed/mishap-en (word?!)
Although I was all deformed & the boys were moving lots, I don't believe they flipped. DARN! Not even when I did headstands. YUP, totally did headstands...I don't think they were very pretty though. I did not however attempt to front flip in water (don't think I quite have the core strength for that 1).
HOLY CRAP is it hard to get OUT of the water. OMG. I felt a zillion LBS heavier than when I went in...totally didn't think I was gonna make it up the steps. Actually couldn't the 1st time, so I played it off like I was just stretching. ha Then went back for round 2.

<---I think the boys will have fun here.

Be Brave

2010-03-02T09:56:00.002-10:00

I thought I'd share a cute story.

This past weekend my brother Brandon was over so we could work on his Flat Stanley project for school.

While he was here I happened to be watching that tv show "twins by surprise"- the girl was in labor/on the way to the hospital (don't worry my brother didn't see anything bad!)

Anyways, she was crying/screaming...and I could see my brother intently watching & starting to tear up *rubbing his eyes/nose, hiding his face, etc*

He wouldn't look me in the eyes & I say to him "are you okay?" but he shrugs it off and says he's fine, then says (still not looking me in the eyes & obviously upset)

"are you gonna cry like that Rach?"

I said..."maybe, but I'll be okay...don't worry"

& he says all choked up, and sniffling...

"be brave Rach"

He can be so cute sometimes! He's such a worrier, just like me.

Love him!

17 Ways to Turn a Breech Baby

2010-03-01T14:12:00.002-10:00

Unfortunately my 2 precious boys are breech.

I am less than thrilled about having a c-section.

Fortunately there are a few ways we can try and turn them . . .

I'm willing to try them all. . .

even if one means venturing to a public pool in a bikini to do some laps/handstands.

(Hellloooooo Riverwinds!)

On a side note-this might be good for the teens there. Might be the best form of birth control they've had in a while.

17 ways to turn a breech baby-in case your interested.

1. Visualizing the baby moving down with the head very deep in your pelvis, several times a day; especially in conjunction with positions and exercises below.
2. Swimming as often as possible. This keeps your body and pelvis loose and relaxed. Do in conjunction with headstand below if you have help.
3. Headstand - with assistance and in a pool frequently as possible.
4. Breech Tilt - begin at 32-35 weeks gestation. Do 3 times daily for 10-15 minutes each time, when you have an empty stomach, and the baby is active. Prop one end of an ironing board securely on a sofa or chair 12 to 18 inches high (or may use slant board). Lie down, bend knees but keep feet flat on board. Relax, breathe deeply, avoid tensing. May also use pillows on a flat surface to raise hips 12-18" above shoulders. Gravity pushes the baby's head into the fundus, tucks it, and baby can then do a somersault to a vertex position.
5. CD/iPod headphones - place them inside mom's pants toward her pubic bone and play classical music for 10 minutes 6-8 times a day.
6. Flashlight - try moving slowly down from the top of the uterus toward your pubic bone while you are in a breech tilt position.
7. Massage - start with your left hand at the bottom of the abdomen and your right hand just above it. Move move your hands clockwise around the right side of your tummy. As your right hand reaches the top of your abdomen, slide the left one over your right and move it down the left side of your tummy. Your left hand leads as you you come full circle, continuing clockwise. Massage gently as you would to apply lotion. Massage for ten minutes or more up to several times each day.
8. Clothespin - place on the small toe of each foot at the outside corner of the toenail; sideways so that the toenail and toepad are stimulated for 30 minutes per day, this is an acupressure point that is a "moving down" point. You can also do this with just finger pressure as you remember to do it.
9. Motion Sickness band - place with the bead four fingerwidths above the inner ankle bone - another acupressure point that is used for stimulation of the uterus. Do not use this point if you are experiencing any pre-term labor.
10. Glass of orange or other juice - follow this with a side-lying position with your hips positioned higher than your feet. Babies move more after a sugar high!
11. Pelvic Tilt- with an ice pack on the top of your tummy on an empty stomach, 10 minutes twice a day. Do this while lying on your back on the floor with knees flexed and feet on the floor with three large pillows placed under your buttocks. Try this in conjunction with headphones and visualization.
12. Cat stretch - start with all fours, then lay your head and chest flat on the floor with your buttocks in the air, as you round your back and return to all fours.
13. Knee-chest position - by kneeling with hips flexed slightly more than 90 degree, but with thighs not pressing against your tummy and your head, shoulders and upper chest are flat on a mattress for 15 minutes every two waking hours for five days.
14. Belly Relaxing followed by Inversion - Partner places a shawl, sheet, towel or rebozo under mom's hips as she lays on the floor. Lift up on the corners of the cloth and shimmy her from side to side moving your hands up and down to wiggle her belly from side to side. These should be very small movements which mom should find very relaxing. Do this for about 5 minutes. Then mother kneels on the stairway landing. Walk your hands down 2 or 3 stairs into an all fours position; have your partner support your shoulders to balance you. Remain in this position for about 5-10 minutes or as long as comfortable. Also do this on an empty stomach.
The following techniques to turn breech babies to vertex involve the assistance of a specialist or medical professional:
15. Acupuncture - find a acupuncturist who is familiar with pregnancy and knows the points to stimulate for turning a breech baby.
16. Webster's Breech Technique - see a Chiropractor who is experienced in this technique.
17. External Version - this can be done in the hospital at about 37 weeks; see an Ob-Gyn for assistance and more information.

I have an appointment with a chiropractor on the 13th so we can try the Webster Technique (#16). May take a couple visits. Worth a shot.

Read about it here -->http://icpa4kids.com/about/webster_technique.htm

THIS is our goal!

32 & 33 weeks!

2010-02-26T17:00:00.004-10:00

Last week me, Tab, Lauren, & Lindsay drove up to N. Jersey for Lauren's (our sorority sister) baby shower. Lauren is due a week before me & is having a lil' girl.

And here I am, cozy in my pj's at 33 weeks!

I love my 3 men.

2010-02-24T15:39:00.002-10:00

Brian giving my belly some love

Welcome to the boys' nursery. . .

2010-02-24T04:14:00.006-10:00

The boys' nursery. . .

It really did turn out beautifully, if I do say so myself.

I literally walk in there every morning when I wake up, and every night before bed & smile. Is that strange? It makes me so happy, no matter how crummy I feel.

Growth chart, from Cath & Mike...so we can measure how big & strong the boys are!!

I love that theres spots for their pictures...

Bath hoodies/towels-nothing cuter than a baby wrapped up in one of these after a warm bath. I can't wait!!

Tree decal my Gram gave me.

I put it up myself & all of the leaves match the babies bedding.

I love how their bumbo seats are sitting under the tree.

Diaper genie, Changing table (thanks Aunt Kathy), & frog humidifier

Nice & organized!!

Baby crib with sage accents.

Thanks to my sister Krissi for the crib!

& Thanks to Sally for making all the super cute bedding, its perfect!!

BTW-we've had many requests for your seamstress abilities (with the cloth books too).

I totally think you should go into business.

Baby crib with brown accents.

Dresser, video monitor (still needs mounting), twin frame, memo board with US pics and 2 super soft blankies (I may have to steal them)

OCD? lil' bit. Don't knock it.

If you think this door organizer is organized you should see all the stuff thats in the drawers above.

Handmade burp cloths (thanks Sally & Nat), receiving blankets, & diapers

Clothes clothes clothes...all sooooo cute!! (more in the guest room closet)

Can't wait to dress my lil boys alike!

It's hard to see, but I bought these cute separator things that go on the bar to divide the clothes by sizes. Very handy!

Clothes, & the start of a diaper supply...should last us a few days.

On the right, handmade baby blankets (thanks Grandmom Drissel, Sally, Ginny, & Darlene)

*************************************************

More Baby Shower Pics. . .

Starting with the favors my sis Ange made.

A sweet Thank You Poem on a book mark from the boys (to go with book theme).

LOVE the paisley pattern on the back too.

ALL the books the boys got... filled up the rest of the bookcase.

I hope they love to read!!

Pack & Play/bassinet/changing table combo my Mom & Poppy got us.

As you can see the girls love to nap there...

this was taken right before I kicked Zoey out. Sorry baby girl-it's for your brothers!

On an aside...my poppy thinks its hysterical b/c it has a remote

It lights up, vibrates, & plays music.

These pack n plays have come a long way!!

Diaper bags!!!

I LOVE the Vera Bradley set my sis Ange got me...

already have it filled and ready for an outing =)

& on the right...a super cute one from my aunts/cousins

My g/f Tab is INSANE...this swing is one item she bought for the boys among MANY!!

Already assembled & ready to go-thanks babe. (although he did say it took him & his friend Chris an hour, hehe)

Isn't it adorable...I love the lil' owls.

Some more crafty diaper cakes by Ange!!

(sorta fallin apart from all the transporting)

Hope you liked the pics!

We're so excited & can't wait for the boys to get here!

Our Baby Shower

2010-02-23T13:41:00.005-10:00

We had a fabulous time at the boys' baby shower!

My sisters Ange & Krissi, my mom, & Cathi did a great job putting it all together.

Thank you all soooooo much!!

The centerpieces my sister Ange made were diaper cakes, combined with books, stuffed animals, onesies & other good baby items. They were absolutely adorable!! If we weren't gonna need diapers so bad, I would keep them together forever.

She also made adorable book marks (will take a pic later) that had a thank you poem from the boys-as you can guess the theme was books =) And boy did we get plenty!!! We now have the bottom 2 shelves of our bookcase full of baby books. I LOVE IT!

All the DELICIOUS food was homemade by my sister Krissi, my mom, & Cathi! The yummy cake was shaped like an open book as you can see below, and had lots of storybook characters on it.

Here are some of the pics from the shower...more to come.

Brian was really psyched for these track suits!

Happy 28 Years!!

2010-02-18T14:59:00.004-10:00

February 13, 1982

was a great day. . .because you were born babe!

Happy 28th Birthday!!

I love you.

And I know there are fabulous things to come this year...

I can think of TWO in particular.

Your "sidekicks" as you like to refer to them.

Hope you had a great birthday!!

Here is the birthday boy.

Birthday boy with one of his gifts, a new chef's knife.

Coldstone cake from my sister Krissi & the kids.

YUMMY!!

Chloe wishing daddy a good birthday.

Thanks everyone for all Brian's birthday wishes!

31 weeks

2010-02-12T16:33:00.003-10:00

Saw the boys again today. Soooo happy Brian was able to join me this time.

We asked the US tech about a 4D ultrasound & he said he would flip the switch after his measurements.

Boys are healthy & doing well! Keep them in your prayers.

Baby A & Baby B are now breech-Baby A couldn't resist copying his brother.

(hoping this will change)

Baby A, 3lb. 5oz.

Baby B, 3lb. 7oz.

AND...Baby A was the only one who would cooperate for a photoshoot.

Baby B literally put his hand over his face. Stubborn lil' guy.

Here's Baby A!

It's getting a lil' tight in there!

Happy 3rd Birthday Chloe & Zoey!!

2010-02-07T12:59:00.004-10:00

Finally...we are out of the "terrible twos". Ha.

Here are our beautiful 3 year olds.

We love our lil girls so much!

Neither Chloe nor Zoey was diggin the candle flame,

but we sang Happy Birthday to them anyway.

Zoey all sprawled out...she loves this blanket.

Chloe exploring a box

Chloe munching on her birthday meal.

*****************************************************

And...

ME. At 30 weeks and 2 days

Old man winter. . .

2010-02-06T07:06:00.004-10:00

Is currently dumping lots of snow on South Jersey....

I think when all is said and done, we will have

20+ inches.

Yikes.

On a positive note, it's beautiful to look at & I'm not responsible for any digging out this year

We had a poker game last night & Aus & Bri had a sleepover =)

Soooo Aus & Bri also needed to dig themselves out this morning so Aus could get home.

Also, I was running out of bookshelf space...

so Bri went & bought me another bookcase. Thanks babe!

I have re-organized the books so that the bottom 2 rows will be devoted to the boys.

And it will buy us some time before they can reach OUR books.

This is something I've noticed when our friend Chris's daughter Bailey comes over...she stands at our bookcases, her face lights up, & she does what we like to call a "book dance" then she excitedly pulls out whatever she can get her hands on.

I love that she loves books so much-I hope the boys do too!

Ps- The boys are now 30 weeks!! Yay boys!!!

We are looking forward to next weeks ultrasound

where we will get another height/weight estimate.

Blonde moment + some wine

2010-01-29T15:35:00.003-10:00

I showed my sister Ange the blog... more specifically the widget in the corner of the twins,

that currently says "77 days to go".

Her reply [totally serious]

"wow...thats them?!"

My reply

"yes Ange...theres a mini camera in my belly"

OMG.

Gotta love her...that made me laugh prettttttty darn hard.

*side note- she has been drinking. . . let this be a lesson to you kids.

Alcohol impairs your judgement*

FYI-I blogged TWICE today....see below!

29 weeks...and counting.

2010-01-29T11:46:00.006-10:00

Happy 29 weeks. . .

11 to go.

Grow babies grow!!

Close your eyes...this next one is kind of scary.

See I told you.

**************************

Also for your viewing pleasure...pics of the babies room as it gets closer to being done.

Our CUSTOM baby bedding.

Thanks so much Sally! We love it!

French memo board I made.

Organizer for odds & ends (Sally also made).

Can you say awkward?

2010-01-13T14:31:00.002-10:00

Please check out this photographers page...

http://blog.philholden.com/category/the-fine-art-photography-studio/maternity/

What you will find?

A series of maternity pictures that get more and more awkward.

And just when you think its bad enough. . . BAM, he takes it up just another notch.

Enjoy the pics.

And wonder whether Brian & I will grace you with a buck naked shot of us...

PS~ I saw our lil boys again yesterday. They are growing healthy & strong!

Baby A is 1lb 15oz., and Baby B is 1lb 11oz.

Grow babies grow!!! xoxo

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T15:41:00.005-10:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Sorry we haven't blogged in a while. I guess we have been busy, lazy, whatever you want to call it. I don't have too many pictures to show, but here they are. Enjoy!

Brian, Me, my brother Brandon & his dog Chase, & my sister Andrea

My sister Krissi, her husband Rich, Andrea, nephew Jared, niece Ashley, Brian, niece Alissa, Grandmom Irene, Me, & my Aunt Arlene

(missing: my dad, taking the photo)

Brandon, Chase, & Poppy

Chris's daughter Bailey on Christmas Day, all tuckered out..

Chloe...her & Zoey got some mice & cat nip for Christmas. They took turns rolling around in cat nip, and passing out on their scratch pad. So cute!

Zoey, chillaxin under the tree, out pretty lil girl!

We had a fabulous Christmas! I can't speak for Brian but it didn't feel too crazy and we still made our usual rounds. It's nice having such a big family close by, but we do really miss those in Utah, especially this time of year.

Thanks everyone for the gifts! Also, the babies thank everyone for their gifts...pretty sure they got more stuff this year than we did, and their still in utero! lol =)

Next year will be A LOT of fun!! I think it's safe to say this was our last "relaxing" Christmas.

Speaking of the boys =)

They are growing well and kicking often-sometimes it feels like a cage fight going on in there! It's an amazing feeling, and pretty weird to see their lil body parts poking through my shirts. It makes me giggle every time.

We had an appointment this past week & saw the boys & heard their heartbeats beating strong. Baby A, the presenting baby, is vertex, and baby B is breech. BUT their still tossin & turning, and theres plenty of time for them to change positions.

We have another detailed ultrasound coming up on the 12th. I'm looking forward to seeing them again and finding out how big they have gotten. =)

Here is me at 24 weeks!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T16:27:00.007-10:00

We hope everyone had a fabulous thanksgiving!!

Ours was wonderful...I'm sorry I didn't take any pics (I did use my new china though!)

This year we have lots to be thankful for:

I am thankful for my wonderful family & friends, near & far (pets included).

I'm thankful for my husband for many reasons, but lately because he has worked hard to make our new house a home....because he gets up with me at 6am just to cook me and the babies a healthy breakfast & make our lunch =) ...and because he rubs my sore back without complaints. I'm so blessed to have him for lots of reasons.

I'm thankful for the two healthy blessings growing in my belly!!

I'm thankful for my health & the health of my family.

I'm thankful for this new home of ours, that will soon hold our lil babies.

I'm thankful that we are home in Jersey- close to family & friends.

I'm thankful for my job. (no matter what I say. lol)

Brian says...

"I'm thankful for my beautiful wife, my 2 babies on the way, my family, my iphone, and the GI bill"

More important news...we had another ultrasound on monday (my sister came with me). Both the babies are healthy, (yayyy!) and 9+ whopping oz. each!! woo-hoo, go babies!

Here is me at "20 weeks"

Thanks Gram!

2009-11-22T11:56:00.003-10:00

The week before my grandmom passed away, she unknowingly gave me one last gift for our new house.

I had been mentioning to her how I wanted to eventually purchase some china for entertaining in our new dining room. Next thing I know she had Poppy digging around the house for this china ... They found it, and she gave it to me. Here it is, finally unpacked, and looking soooo beautiful. It's exactly what I would have picked out. I can't explain how much I LOVE it!

Thanks Gram! I love you! xoxo

BOY oh BOY!!

2009-11-04T15:58:00.006-10:00

It's official. . .

We're having TWO BOYS!!!

Right twin-baby A- Profile.

Baby A-weiner

Left Twin- baby B- Profile.

Baby B- weiner

My disappearing belly button.

2009-11-01T17:23:00.002-10:00

By popular demand.

My disappearing belly button . . .

6 weeks (1.5 months)

12 weeks (3 months)

16 weeks (4 months)

Originally I wanted to wear the same shirt throughout all the pictures...it was a no go. That shirt just makes me feel like a fatty.

FYI- I removed my belly ring after this picture.

We have our 1st appointment with the high risk OB tomorrow. We get a detailed ultrasound. Keep the babies in your prayers that everything is a-okay.

Also...we wanna know your thoughts.

What do you think we will have?!?

I almost forgot

2009-10-16T07:23:00.005-10:00

I have been waiting to post this picture, and almost forgot. I couldn't post it because I found

the picture before we told everyone about the pregnancy.

I found this gem in the waiting area of Rach's OB's office. It is a little twist on the traditional baby photo. I personally think this picture rocks, and before you even ask, yes I will be recreating this photo with my two babies. I was thinking I would rock my dog tags and aviators to spice it up, and give it a Maverick feel. What do you think?

Baby A & Baby B

2009-10-10T04:19:00.004-10:00

I think the Ultrasound Tech has ice running through her veins, because somehow she said with a stone cold face, "Ok... here is baby number one... and baby number two." She didn't try to warn us or break the news in any kind of funny way. I guess it wouldn't have mattered since Rach was crying before she said "baby number two."

But here are the pictures you have been waiting for:

Baby A is laying on his/her back and sucking his/her thumb.

Baby B is kinda on his/her side sticking his/her little butt out.

We could see both little hearts pumping 155 bpm, and they were both moving their arms and legs. It was pretty amazing.

Rach is 12 weeks along, and due on April 23rd. Hopefully she lasts close to that long.

Thanks for all the congratulations and prayers.

Duffield's with the kids!

2009-09-29T12:19:00.004-10:00

Saturday morning I took my niece Alissa & my brother Brandon to Duffield's Farm for a hayride & pumpkin picking!

The weather was beautiful...it's been a long time since I've felt "Fall"

We had a great time on the hayride.

Picked some huge pumpkins (even got one for my nephew Jared who was kickin butt at his football game).

Enjoyed some d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s warm apple cider donuts. Yummy!

ps- I'm getting super excited about our big move, and I'm anxious to decorate our new house for Halloween!

True Story.

2009-09-16T12:26:00.002-10:00

Love him or hate him,

THIS guy

just moved to WEST DEPTFORD. Yup, town where we are buying our new house.

Sand Castle Contest 2009

2009-09-07T14:44:00.000-10:00

Old School Kickball Video

2009-09-03T11:18:00.002-10:00

Random thoughts ...

2009-08-28T14:53:00.001-10:00

Got this email...thought some of them were pretty funny. Enjoy.

Random thoughts ...

-I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

-More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

-Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

-I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

-Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

-That's enough, Nickelback.

-I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

-Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know" feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?

-Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

-There is a great need for sarcasm font.

-Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the f was going on when I first saw it.

-I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

-How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

-I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

- I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

-The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to finish a text.

- A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

- Was learning cursive really necessary?

- Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

- Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

- My brother's Municipal League baseball team is named the Stepdads. Seeing as none of the guys on the team are actual stepdads, I inquired about the name. He explained, "Cuz we beat you, and you hate us." Classy, bro.

- Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

- How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

- I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a dick from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

- Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

-What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

- MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

- Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

- I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

-Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

- I would like to officially coin the phrase 'catching the swine flu' to be used as a way to make fun of a friend for hooking up with an overweight woman. Example: "Dave caught the swine flu last night."

-I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

- Bad decisions make good stories

-Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

- Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

-If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.

-Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....

-You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

-Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

-There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

-I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

- "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

-I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

-I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dammit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

-When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

-I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

-Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...

- As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

-Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

-It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

-I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

-Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

-Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I’d bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...

-My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?

-It really pisses me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and the link takes me to a video instead of text.

-I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

-I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

-I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

-The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastard before dinner.

Ocean City

2009-07-30T14:27:00.006-10:00

Brian & I went to OC this past weekend & brought by lil brother.

We spent Saturday at the beach... playing in the sand, playing frisbee, and boogieboarding.

That night we went to the boardwalk for some rides...we let my brother buy some african dwarf frogs, & I had my 1st fried oreo cookies. Then we went to hang out at the Hinman Household & got ice cream of course!

(Check out my brothers face. lol)

(2nd row from the top, you can see Brandon burrowing into Bri)

Sunday we did the beach thing again, then headed home.

On a side note. I don't recommend changing your bathing suit 1/2 way thru the summer. Yikes.

It's Not Hawaii... but what are you going to do

2009-05-20T12:13:00.004-10:00

It was REALLY nice out yesterday, so instead of going to see a movie we decided to go to Redbank Battlefield. It was great just getting out and feeling the sun for once.

Like I said, it's not the beach in Hawaii, but you have to love the driftwood, and Philly in the background.

It is really cool walking around the battlefield and reading the signs because you realize that the Revolutionary War was fought right where you are standing. Rad.

Are you getting psyched for OC?

2009-05-14T13:54:00.002-10:00

We are.

And if you're not. . .

This picture might help get you pumped up. . .

B-More.

2009-03-24T12:49:00.008-10:00

This past weekend we went to Baltimore for the night, for

Ryan's 30th Birthday.

The weather was nice...we walked around the Harbor & went shopping & had lunch with our friend Will who lives there.

That night we all went to Powerplant Live.

We had dinner at Babalu Grill, a cuban restaurant.

Then we went for drinks & dancing at Luckies Tavern.

Me & my love.

Me & Will

Brian & Ryan

Marcela

great face babe.

Ryan & Marcela

Philadelphia Zoo

2009-03-24T12:37:00.004-10:00

My mom, me, my sister Ange, and my lil brother Brandon went to the Philadelphia Zoo earlier this month because it was B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L out... it has since gone back to the nasty cold weather, BUT it was a good taste of spring.

These male & female monkeys were hugging...so cute.

Some monkey boobs. hehe The male was rubbing her back very lovingly.

Happy 27th Birthday Brian

2009-03-24T12:16:00.003-10:00

I know this event happened a while ago.. forgive me, I'm playing catch up.

Better late than never. =)

Brian's 27th Birthday.

He got lots of presents

We had a fabulous meal at Morton's

We had drinks with Dad & Cath at Clancy's

Happy 2nd Birthday!!

2009-02-09T12:12:00.006-10:00

Saturday we celebrated Chloe & Zoey's 2nd Birthday!

Here are the girls with their new mouse & going nuts off catnip.

Zoey doing her chores!

2009-02-09T11:59:00.003-10:00

This is how I found Zoey yesterdy morning...she was helping mommy take out the trash. =)

Wine & Chocolate Tour

2009-02-09T11:19:00.004-10:00

This weekend while Brian was busy with National Guard...

I went on a wine & chocolate tour with the girls -My sister Andrea, Susan, Diane, & Melissa

We rode in a limo, and visited 4 wineries, sampling 20+ bottles of wine, and tons of chocolate, cheese, etc. It was a fabulous time!

I think Brian would have reaaaaaally enjoyed himself.

Next time..stupid guard.

Me (Nat, I hope u dig my tights), Melissa, Diane (aka Mrs. H), Andrea, & Susan

I'm a classy girl, what can I say.

Ange.

Me..so sophisticated.

I dont know what look I was going for here...buzzed maybe?

Diane & Melissa in the limo.

Me & Ange

Me & Susan

Nothing to blog about...soooo

2009-01-29T16:11:00.003-10:00

What did I do this morning?!

Found the only piece of ice between my house & car

& proceeded to fall flat on my ass.

First thought?

OMG..My insurance doesn't start till Monday

~~~~~~~~~

Luckily...No injuries. Just a bruised ego. =)

I'll try not to make that mistake twice.

Our new crib....by request

2009-01-12T13:27:00.004-10:00

Dining room

Kitchen

Living room

Fireplace

Guest bath

Guest room/Office/Library lol

Master Bedroom

Zoey, queen of the castle

Master bath

Zoey & Chloe have recently become obsessed with the shower... after we get out, they jump in...and just stare at the faucet foreeeever & come out with wet rumps.

Lets get this out of the way.

2009-01-10T11:30:00.011-10:00

We're back. Where have we been??

*Relocating from Hawaii to NJ

*Traveling (San Diego, Utah, & Vegas)

*Celebrating the holidays with ALL of our family (& friends)

*Eating, Eating & Eating (Helllllooooo cheesesteaks)

*Settling into our new place in Deptford

*Showed Lenny the sights in Philly while he was visiting

*Relaxing

most recently. . .

*Getting back into that "work" thing.

*& Bri starts school on the 20th. (ps- he joined the NJ National Guard)

Here are a butt load of pics in no particular order.

After running up the art museum steps, Rocky Style.

Brian tryin to make me jealous. Check out his sweet ass.

Outside the Art Museum (On our sightseeing tour of Philadelphia while Lenny was in town)

Independence Hall

Liberty Bell

Our Gondola ride at the Venetian in Vegas.

We saw the Blue Man Group & Carrot Top

Addison all dressed up.

Crazy eyes.

Crazy poses from Kade

Classic horns.

Our new home.

Me, Bri, & my lil brother, and the new dog we all bought him for Xmas.

His name is Chase (after Utley), and he's a Maltese Shitzu

Brian dressed for his "Ugly sweater Party"

Chase in his winter coat we bought him, hehehe

Chloe dressed for XMas

Zoey dressed for Xmas.

Jared & Alissa playin dominos (I taught them Chicken foot when we had a sleepover)

Brandon & Jared

Me & Chase.

Me & Bri

San Diego Zoo Pics...

Skydiving

2008-11-03T10:22:00.004-10:00

Here's some pics from when Buddy was in town and him and Bri went skydiving up in North Shore...right over the ocean

Pics in random order. Enjoy the videos.

Be sure to continue scrolling down...there's lot of new updates. =)

1st video is Brian's landing. 2nd video is Buddy.

Breast Cancer Walk 2008

2008-11-03T10:07:00.005-10:00

We walked in memory of my stepmom

Pat!

Also, a BIG CONGRATS to my sister Andrea who that same weekend completed the 60-mile walk for breast cancer,

who with her 7 teammates raised a whopping

$18,267.50

I am so proud of her!

Thanks to those who donated on her behalf!

Happy 30th Birthday

2008-11-03T07:09:00.003-10:00

Happy 30th Birthday

To my Big Sister Krissi!!

I love you!

Maunawili Falls

2008-11-03T07:01:00.002-10:00

Good News!

2008-10-28T22:23:00.003-10:00

Brian found out today that he was accepted to for their MBA Program!

Congratulations to Brian!!

RIP Integra

2008-10-23T16:55:00.005-10:00

Sooooo if you're not aware. Our car was stolen, AGAIN, last week. This time we didn't hear them, didn't catch them, and well....didn't get our car back completely intact. She was found on a construction site. They were obviously professionals.

View for yourself.

1st off...whats missing?

In case your not E-Rock. Generally there's an engine/transmission in this empty space.

You should never drink and drive.

That would be our car panels in the back seat...so they can get to our brand new infiniti speakers of course.

Empty trunk...they even took our acura emblem.

Can you spot whats missing?
That would be the gear shifter...they pretty much took everything.

Including all 4 tires.

Question: Does "The Club" work?
Answer: not this time.

And lastly...her final resting place.

Icing on the cake? We had to pay to have it towed & disposed of.
F-U- Hawaii...

Needless to say, we are not shipping our car home. Luckily our fabulous friend Kate is letting us use her car until we leave. THANKS KATE! WE LOVE YOU!

Kayaking out to Mokulua island

2008-10-23T15:49:00.005-10:00

Brian, Buddy (in town visiting), Kate & I went kayaking last week out to Mokulua island off Lanikai Beach.
Here are some pics from the day.

This is a view from Lanikai beach looking at the island that we kayaked to.

Our kayaks on the beach.

Ughh "You know how I know your gay..."

The Boys did some manly climbing around the island...

Kate and I lounged in the sun...

Congratulations Brian!

2008-10-23T07:53:00.000-10:00

Brian is officially a graduate of
Hawaii Pacific University!

He has worked really hard while working FT and entertaining me FT to earn his
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-
Management

I love him, and I couldn't be prouder!!
Congrats babe!!

Last day at work!

2008-10-23T07:38:00.003-10:00

Last Thursday was officially my last day of work...and so starts my 2 1/2 month vacation!

On my last day they had a big pot luck for me...I stuffed my face!

Here's me & my co-workers- I'll miss them all very much! Hopefully the next place I work is as good to me as they have been! I love my KPO family!

Afterwards me and my girlfriends went to Ko'Olina Lagoons for our last swim session, very sad!

Every week we would go here to do laps after work-if you have to work out, this isn't a bad place, right?

Jenny, me, & Kate
(& my temporary car-thanks Kate...that story to be told later)

Aiea Loop Trail

2008-09-21T20:31:00.003-10:00

Rach and I went on a little hike today. The Aiea Loop Trail. After a little confusion about where the actual entrance to the trail was, the iPhone got us there. The hike was only 4.5 miles or so. We encountered little elevation changes during the hike, but did find some pretty good photo ops (all via the iPhone).

This is a pic just before the rain moved our way. You can see the H3 highway as it snakes towards the tunnel to Kaneohe.

This is a pic of a possible field of marijuana (probably not, but it would have been interesting).

The rain clouds did open up on us about half way through the hike. We were muddy and thoroughly drenched by the end of the hike. Rach and I live for that kind of recreation, so it was an awesome morning (just a little sarcasm there).

Crazy Gold Pants

2008-09-21T20:22:00.004-10:00

I'm all about being your own person and expressing yourself and all that nonsense. However, these pants just scream, "LOOK AT ME. I AM WEARING CRAZY A$$ TIGHT GOLD PANTS. I'M DIFFERENT! I'M A WEIRDO!"

Our Beloved Integra

2008-09-21T20:17:00.002-10:00

I bought my 1994 Acura Integra back in 2000. It has served me faithfully since then. Rach started driving it when the Lebaron died in 2004. It was shipped to Hawaii in 2006. Last Friday it hit 200,000 miles on the odometer. Such a faithful little car. I shall reward it with a paint job and some new wheels when I get back to NJ. I will drive this car to at least 250,000 miles.

The Hike

2008-09-04T15:30:00.006-10:00

K. Falcon convinced Rach and I to go on this hike with her, Dave, Jen, and John. I was told that it was an intermediate level 3.5 mile hike. Sounded good to me. Everyone knows I LOVE to get up early on the weekends and really just attack the day. Take this island by the horns and squeeze every last ounce of fun out of it.

Minor detail though: The hike was 3.5 miles...each way. And the ending point was on the top of this mountain ridge that I have always looked up at while driving and said to myself, "Gosh that looks so high. It's practically in the clouds. I wonder how anyone would ever get up there?"

It really wasn't that bad though. The first 3/4 of the way was a pretty easy stroll up some switchbacks. The last 1/4 or so was straight up this ridgeline. There were some stairs involved, and Rach almost passed out about 100 feet from the top.

Rach rehydrating after making it to the top.

Rach and I at the Kuliouou Trail End sign

One of the better pictures

You could see all the way from Kaneohe to Waimanalo to Koko Head to Hawaii Kai to Diamond Head. So, instead of posting a billion pics, here is a short video to give you an idea of the view (have to give Rach credit for the creative cinematic idea).

It was really windy up there and the audio didn't really do the scene justice, so I added a little Coldplay. (That's how Rach knows I'm gay...name that movie)

Free weekend?! Sign us up.

2008-08-31T17:00:00.006-10:00

Bri & I participated in another "Marriage Retreat",
aka free weekend at Turtle Bay.

I won't bore you with pics, but check out this sweet view from our room.

BONUS: went to a luau and sat at the table next to Daniel Dae Kim, aka Jin from "LOST"
DOWNSIDE: he was a jerk...and his wife an even bigger jerk.

Whats that? Don't take your photo?!

Okay...so not the best picture, I don't have Ethans discreet picture taking skills, BUT its proof.
3 years, and we finally met a cast member from one of our fav shows.

FYI Mr. Kim, no one noticed you but US..you could have been cool and just taken one lousy pic.

Wine and Cheese

2008-08-15T12:32:00.003-10:00

Carlos and Emily invited some friends to their house for a "Wine and Cheese Tasting." I was a bit skeptical at first, because I had never attended such an event. Also, I was worried because Carlos told me it wasn't dinner, but just little appetizers and stuff. Rach and I were pretty hungry going over there, and I thought we were definitely going to be forced to hit the Wendy's late night afterwards.

Boy was I wrong. They had all these delicious meats, cheeses, and appetizers. We did not leave hungry. I really liked the format of just eating a bunch of little things instead of one big meal. I was scared of the melon wrapped with some kind of thinly sliced smoked meat, but it was pretty tasty. The bruschetta was delectable, and I ate about a pound of fresh mozzarella.

I have no idea what kind of wine we had, but I drank it and it was good. You can tell by looking at the pictures who the real wine afficionados are because some of us held the wine glass by the stem and some of us held it like a beer glass. Amateurs.

For dessert Midori brought Bearded Papa's cream puffs, which are my absolute favorite. Addam said they were awesome, and he would know because he, "F'n loves pastries!"

The spread.

L to R is Jason, Midori, Emily, Me

Me, Carlos, and Addam (notice how Carlos is gazing at me)

Rach's pimp face and Carlos's regular face

Kate Falcon's Birthday

2008-08-09T21:32:00.005-10:00

OK. First, I have to say please don't send any kind of hate mail saying, "Get out of town! Her name cannot be Kate Falcon! There is no way you know someone with a badass last name like FALCON!" Believe it people. I've seen her drivers license.

Kate invited us and some friends to the Turtle Bay Resort to eat dinner at a restaurant called Lei Lei's. The food was delicious, and the company rather pleasant. I had the filet mignon, of course, and Rach had the crab stuffed salmon.

This is Kate opening her gifts from Rachel and Jenny.

The gorgeous ladies I had the pleasure of spending the evening with. (especially the one second from the left)

Kate and the guys. I put this up because it is the most awkward "ooops we're not ready" photo ever.

This is me wearing Kate's scarf. She had it with her "just in case." I asked her if the "just in case" was like just in case she needed to disguise herself as a pastel colored ninja, or a sand storm suddenly blew in, or if you get invited to a Lawrence of Arabia costume party?

America's Next Food Network Star

2008-08-08T20:36:00.006-10:00

Did you watch this season? The guy who won, Aaron McCargo Jr., was from CAMDEN, NJ!

We loved this guy, and the 1st episode of his show, Big Daddy's House came out last week. Best part, he actually cooks with ingredients whose names you would recognize & prolly have on hand.

We tried his spin on chicken fingers with salad. Instead of coating the chicken with bread crumbs, you use chips...I believe he used spicy nacho chips, we had some sour cream & cheddar chips on hand, so we went with that. It was very tasty!

Pound your chicken

The 3-step coating process.

Coated & ready to fry.

Frying.

Serve & top with your favorite dressing.
Enjoy!

I highly recommend watching the show! Check it out Sunday night.

Happy 100 Posts!!

2008-08-08T20:19:00.002-10:00

This was a gift from a patient. It's a "Haku" from Kauai, aka a Hawaiian flower head lei. I wore it all day at work...I felt like a cross between a princess & a hippy =)

This pic doesn't do it justice. The colors are gorgeous, the flowers smell spectacular, & they look so perfect everyone thought they were fake. I felt very honored to be given one!

Cat Cave

2008-08-03T21:24:00.002-10:00

We always put our comforter on this basket that we keep in the corner of our room, because it is always too hot to use it. Today the comforter happened to form a little cave that Zoey took a nap in.

As soon as I took Zoey's picure (with my iPhone), Chloe jumped into the same little cat cave for her photo op.

Weird. Them for posing in the cat cave. Us for taking the pictures and posting them on the Internet.

iPhone

2008-08-03T20:50:00.004-10:00

I finally convinced Rach to let me get an iPhone. These are some of the pics I took today when we went to Roy's. The restaurant is situated on a golf course with some really good views.

This is the view of the 18th hole from the bar.

The view from behind my beer glass.

The food was so good that we forgot to get a pic of my honey mustard beef short rib. This is Rach's macadamia crusted swordfish.

The delicious chocolate souffle with ice cream.

Foghorn

2008-08-03T20:45:00.001-10:00

This is what I did at work two Fridays ago. Can you figure out which one is me?

Princess Chunky

2008-08-01T07:40:00.003-10:00

This 44lb. cat was recently found in Voorhees... Shes 2 lbs shy of topping the world record.
I think shes adorable.

Check out article HERE

P-I-M-P

2008-07-31T17:38:00.002-10:00

Saw this guy when we were on the way to eat Korean food for Will's last dinner. Needs little explanation, but you should note that his loafers match his gym shorts.

I'm a lazy blogger, what can I say

2008-07-23T20:22:00.009-10:00

So I will just post some pics from my Mom, Jim, & Brandons Trip out & some new things we did, like...
-Went on a submarine ride (down over 100ft) and checked out some sunken ships, planes, etc. -Went to Kualoa Ranch & did the "Jungle Expedition" & "Movie Set Tour". Its where they filmed Jurassic Park, Lost scenes, You Me & Depree, 50 First Dates, Windtalkers, George of the Jungle, and Godzilla...to name a few. -Went to Iolani Palace & saw the King Kamehameha Statue -We also rented a boat again...it was a good time!

Brandon, Brian, Zoey & Chloe

Submarine pics...

Someone just lost their 2 front teeth =)

106 feet deep at this point..

Waikiki Beach

Iolani Palace & the King Kamehameha Statue

Grillin at the Shorebird

Building sand castles at Lanikai Beach

Brandon & I got up early & went to Waimea Bay to watch Bri's P.T...they played football at Waimea Bay. Can you see Brian?

Rented a pontoon boat again & spent the day out at Kaneohe Bay

Kualoa Ranch
Jungle Expedition
Overlooking Kaneohe Bay from the ranches 4000 acres
Movie Set Tour... Jurassic Park shot
Favorite show ever!!
Me on Hurley's Golf Course from LOST!
Brandon swinging an imaginary club on the course

Godzillas foot print... apparently they had to fill some of it in, cos' the ranch cows kept fallin in it. lol
Spot in 50 First Dates where Sandler waited on the side of the road every day for Drew B.'s character to drive by....
View from the ranch grounds.

Not too much else goin on in our lives... let see...
Brian started another semester, his LAST semester =) Yayyyyy babe!!! I'm so proud of you!! Unfortunately, 3 classes & workin FT is a bit much, soooo he will be hard at work this next month & some

I'm back to work, no more vacations for me...not till November!!

The kitties are alive & well at the moment, although we have made quite a few vet visits this past month...keep your finger$ cro$$ed. The girls get more health care than I do. We still love them, even if they are slightly defective.

Ughhh thats it, pretty dull.

Miss you all..keep posting, we like to know whats going on!

ps- sorry for the overload of pics, I can never make up my mind which to cut.

Underwater Pics

2008-06-23T19:17:00.005-10:00

So we finally got the underwater camera developed... soo here are some pics (Big Island, My sisters visit, My Birthday).

These pics were taken at Captain Cook's Monument in Kealakekua Bay. Brian & I went kayaking out to the monument (only way out there), and were fortunate enough to be amongst several schools of spinner dolphins... once we got out to the monument there was some fabulous snorkeling. Since Bri is part fish, he got some great shots diving down. Enjoy!

Captain Cook's Monument

The Bay where we saw the dolphins

Me, after snorkeling...my mask imprint is H-O-T, just like my hair
Lots of fish!!
(Keep Scrolling!!)

Spinner dolphin...they put on a good show for us

School of dophins
Sea Turtle next to our kayak

View of Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach

Me & my sister swimming at Waikiki Beach

The underwater pic of the sea turtle from my birthday (poor shot, I know)

My 26th Birthday

2008-06-22T17:22:00.004-10:00

Thanks everyone who thought of me on my birthday!

I had a great day...we went to the beach, saw some sea turtles, ate shave ice, and had a fun dinner at this new place downtown, Tanaka of Tokyo (a Japanese teppanyaki BBQ ).

Here are some pics from the day. . .

My sister Krissi's Visit to Hawaii!

2008-06-17T19:27:00.008-10:00

My sister Krissi came out to Hawaii for 8 days for my Birthday...no better gift!! We had a great time just us girls (the hubby & kids stayed home).

Some things we did. . .
Waimea Bay, Waimea Waterfall, Lanikai Beach, Ko'Olina Lagoons, Paradise Cove Luau, Pearl Harbor, shopping at the swap meet/outlets, Waikiki Beach, spent the night downtown at the Hale Koa in Waikiki, had a BBQ on Waikiki beach, ate shave ice & many other Hawaiian treats (I even made spam, eggs, & rice for breakfast one day), Hiked Diamond Head Crater, Wailua Beach, Ka'aena Point(spelling?!), Sharks Cove, North Shore, Dole Plantation, & we rented a pontoon boat on the Windward Side (YES, I now have my boating license) & went out to the sandbar (10 of us, plus 1 dog).

. . . I'm pretty sure we covered everything there is to do here. I think my sister is gonna need a vacation after her vacation.

Here are some pics of our fun times =) Enjoy.

Wailua Beach

Barefoot Bar Waikiki

Kelly O'Neills Bar Waikiki

Our Party Boat
My sis Krissi, Me, & Kate

The boys chillaxin on the back of the boat

Our Party Pontoon parked on the end

Paradise Cove Luau
Me & my sis at Waimea Falls
My sister at Waimea Falls
Me & my sis at Paradise Cove Luau

Me & Brian

Grumpy faces cos' its raining

Weekend on the Big Island

2008-05-27T20:47:00.002-10:00

Brian & I just got back from the Big Island for Memorial Day Weekend (Brian's B-Day present from way back). We had a great time & I took a butt load of pics...we have weened them down to under 100 photos...view them all here http://picasaweb.google.com/MHallowpoint/BigIslandTrip

Some things we did...

-The volcano, a given...we stayed in the Volcano National Park at an old military base..pretty sweet.
-Hiking in & around the volcano
-Lava Tubes
-Steam Vents
-Drove along the coast
-Visited South Point
-Black Sand Beach
-Visited Kona
-Kayaked out to Cook's monument...with AWESOME "spinner dolphins" all around us
(those pics will come later as their on the water camera)
-Snorkeled at Cook's Monument
-Visited a bunch of waterfalls North of Hilo

Here's a lil preview, enjoy!

He's a funny guy...

A lake that was covered by the lava way back when...

Me struttin my stuff across the lava field

I married him for his muscles.

We made it all hot & steamy ::wink wink::

Pretty B&W...heading into the lava tubes

Dirty old lady & her dirty lil jokes.. hehe

Get it?!? If not...re-read

Pretty picture in South Point

Akaka Falls

Pretty tree

It will be a cold day in hell HPD

2008-05-18T21:46:00.006-10:00

My friend Andy is leaving the island tomorrow, so a couple of us went to brunch and then the beach. Andy rented kayaks, so we all took turns paddling out to this bird sanctuary/island off the coast of Lanikai. Don't listen to Rach when she tells you she beat me in the paddling race. She had the better kayak.

So I always tell Rach that we have to stop posting pics of us at the beach or hanging out in downtown Waikiki or having mai tais by the sunset or swimming under waterfalls, because everyone back home is probably cursing us. Well if it makes you feel better, we got a parking ticket while at the beach. Good ol' HPD. I swear they do nothing except for give parking and speeding tickets. They didn't catch a single person when:

1. The car got stolen, and the kid ran when they tried to stop him.

2. Rachel got attacked by meth heads, and gave the Po Po the license plate number

3. Our stereo got stolen, and they lifted a print off the car

4. Our cousins' rental car was broken into, and ALL of their stuff was stolen

BUT.... they gave us a parking ticket for "parked to obstruct the intersection." Well, I took a picture, and you tell me if we were even close to obstructing the intersection. (My friend Ryan got a ticket too... think it is a coincidence that the two cars with military post decals got tickets?)

On principle alone I refuse to pay the ticket, but HPD's track record with me seals the deal. They wont see a dime of my money.

Our weekend..in pictures

2008-05-11T17:12:00.009-10:00

Saturday my friend Kate & I started the day with a hike (her idea, not mine)...we did the "pillbox hike" (not sure why its called that). Here are some pics from up top, looking down over Lanikai Beach.

After the hike we went to the beach...

Meanwhile, my poor hubby is at his saturday class taking a midterm =)
He had to re-seal the shower, soooo we couldn't use it, so we decided to spend saturday night downtown. We got a room at the lovely Hyatt Regency on the beach...here are some pics. We had a wonderful time!! I think we should start spending the night down there at least once a month.

Rachel and Brian

Looking forward to baseball season

Getting ready for Santa!

Storytime and playing

Evan trapped a wild animal!

My silly monkeys

Boys' 1st Thanksgiving!

Up to no good

They could be baby models

Photo Shoot

Our Lil' Burritos!

Happy Birthday Jackson & Evan!

Tomorrow

36 weeks

Counting Down!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Saturn Project

Crazy positions.

35 weeks

Leaving the comfort/safety of my couch.

Be Brave

*17 Ways to Turn a Breech Baby*

32 & 33 weeks!

I love my 3 men.

Welcome to the boys' nursery. . .

Our Baby Shower

Happy 28 Years!!

31 weeks

Happy 3rd Birthday Chloe & Zoey!!

Old man winter. . .

Blonde moment + some wine

29 weeks...and counting.

Can you say awkward?

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks Gram!

BOY oh BOY!!

My disappearing belly button.

I almost forgot

Baby A & Baby B

Duffield's with the kids!

True Story.

Sand Castle Contest 2009

Old School Kickball Video

Random thoughts ...

Ocean City

It's Not Hawaii... but what are you going to do

Are you getting psyched for OC?

B-More.

Philadelphia Zoo

Happy 27th Birthday Brian

Happy 2nd Birthday!!

Zoey doing her chores!

Wine & Chocolate Tour

Nothing to blog about...soooo

Our new crib....by request

Lets get this out of the way.

Skydiving

Breast Cancer Walk 2008

Happy 30th Birthday

Maunawili Falls

Good News!

RIP Integra

Kayaking out to Mokulua island

Congratulations Brian!

Last day at work!

Aiea Loop Trail

Crazy Gold Pants

Our Beloved Integra

The Hike

Free weekend?! Sign us up.

Wine and Cheese

Kate Falcon's Birthday

America's Next Food Network Star

Happy 100 Posts!!

Cat Cave

iPhone

Foghorn

Princess Chunky

P-I-M-P

17 Ways to Turn a Breech Baby