The Pope Family

Precious Gifts

2009-12-28T18:37:00.006-06:00

The Pope Family Christmas

What is that Smell. Probably, Poppy.

Tight Bunch.

Addison Terrorizing Anabelle

Auti and Casey

Good Practice for Cooking and Cleaning for Mommy and Daddy.

Chef Taylor

The Real Gift

Thanks Casey and Stephanie. The girls love their kitchen.

Mommy's Christmas Treats.

The Harden Christmas

Addison Found another dog to Terrorize. Tiny.

Gigi and Taylor.

Harden Bunch

Mommy and Her Girls

Balloon fight.

T'was The Night Before Christmas

Christmas Day

Taylor's reaction if Alabama Loses the National Championship.

Go Bama.

Getting Ready for Christmas

2009-12-28T18:27:00.001-06:00

Our First Gingerbread House

Daddy helping his girls, while they eat the decorations.

Taylor fell in love with this Snowglobe, until she broke it.

Addison Hanging Ornaments

Taylor Hanging Garland

Taylor is fighting with the Camera.

The Drama Queen

Taylor Rooting for Alabama.

Turkey Day.

2009-12-28T18:02:00.003-06:00

Sorry it has taken so long to post these pics. We have been busy over the holidays.

Taylor giving a gift.

Turkey Sisters

We are thankful for each other.

Helena Fair

2009-10-11T15:22:00.006-05:00

Last weekend, we had a great time at our local fair. The Helena Intermediate school puts on a great carnival. We went Friday night and Saturday afternoon. That is why the girls are wearing two different outfits.

Taylor was happy about wearing this hat until I got the camera out.

It sure is cute, isn't it.

Our big girls love to swing.

Hey Addison.

The girls' first cotton-candy. They loved it.

Our girls got some early practice driving.

The girls loved driving.

Happy Birthday.

2009-09-21T15:33:00.007-05:00

Saturday we had a great birthday party. Addison and Taylor were visited by their wonderful family and friends. Thanks to all for their love and support. Taylor

Addison.

This morning the girls were greeted with the beautiful singing of Mommy and Daddy. "Happy birthday to the two of you..." Mommy fixed some birthday cinnamon rolls. Yummy. The girls loved it.

Happy Birthday to You Two.My Beautiful Ladies.

After a heathy breakfast...the family went to the McWane Science Center. The girls seemed to have a wonderful time. We experienced great science and learning activites. At the end of our time at the McWane Center we went to see the an IMAX movie "Under the Sea". There was a fish which shot its tougue out to capture food. Taylor was so frightened by this sudden shot. She started crying during the film. This happened three or four times. Each time Taylor's bottom lip would poke out and she would start crying. She would not allow me to cover her eyes or let me turn her around. She wanted to see it regardless of how much it scared her.

McWane Center was a great experience, especially on this rainy day.

Mommy and Taylor flying a plane.

Taylor making an impact.
Dad's face.

Sweet moment with Taylor

Addison, What are you doing?

Taylor

Addison

Bed of nails.

That is off the chain. Hahaha.

Construction

2009-09-10T13:20:00.005-05:00

The girls are approaching the big "0" "2". Time sure has flown. It seems like just yesterday Jennifer was first holding Addison and Taylor together in the NICU at Children's. We are working on plans for the girls' birthday party. We have also just constructed a playset for the girls in the back party. Poppy and Nina provide most of the material and manual labor for the playset and Granny and Pawpaw Pope provide the slide. Thanks to everyone for the help. Here are some pictures.Thanks Poppy, Nina, Granny and Pawpaw. The girls love their playset and can't wait till you all come over and play with them.
Check out the little helpers.

Here is the Inspector. Do you have a permit for this construction?

True Construction Worker.

Do I see Plumber's Crack????? Don't be ashamed.

We are still working on filling in the swings.

August Updates

2009-08-22T17:49:00.003-05:00

We are finally painting our bedroom. This gold color has been in our room since we first moved in. Now, thanks to the help of Jason Leight we have begun the removal of this color. Thanks Jason. Would not have done it without you.

Addison and Taylor getting ready for their first day at Daycare. It is so hard to see them go but they have done great and seem to really enjoy it.

No. An apple, not a banana.

Lily and Iris came over to visit Addison and Taylor. Taylor and (I think) Iris really were tired and wanted to help each other go to sleep. Awe how sweet.

It's a twin girl thing.

Thanks Jake and Rachel for your help with the bathroom problem, and thanks for bringing the family over to hang out.

Fun at the Beach 2009

2009-08-03T20:05:00.009-05:00

Taylor Conner

We spent the weekend in PC with Poppy, Nina, Conner, Stephanie and Casey. The girls did wonderful. We all had a great time. Not everything went as planned, but overall the trip was pretty awesome.

Addison

Addison covered with Sand

Look at those curls.

Taylor on Right Looking precious.

Addison on Left looking confused.

Uncle Conman

Sweet Taylor

Addison's little pigs.

Mommy and her girls

Taylor holding her shell.

Uncle Conner

The wonder of the Ocean amazed Addison.

Are we really his children. Man, your old dad.

Sibling love.

The Gang.

Where is everyone going.

Autie and Acey

Run Away, Poppy and Nina are going to get you.

what is so funny?

Sweet family.

A Family Divided

Addison with her icees

playing at the beach

2009-07-26T21:57:00.004-05:00

Move over and let me drive. This evening, Gammy came out and went with us to a local park. The park is great. The girls had tons of fun. Thanks Gammy come back anytime and bring Papa.

Taylor Sliding

Peek-a-boo AddisonTaylor Pausing to consider if this is safe.

What are you looking at?

Decisions, decisions.

2009-07-11T22:51:00.003-05:00

We are faced with a decision to make. Jennifer and I want to have storage space in the girls' playroom. However, we are not sure how we should design the space. We want to make the space cute and usable. Please post a comment and let us know which options you like the best. Please excuse the rough images. I had to draw this in MSPaint. My Publisher is not working at he moment.

Four Sets of Shelves, two cabinest and three chests.four sets of shelves, two cabinets and one chestTwo sets of shelves, two areas for pictures, full bench with large chest and two cabinetsYou get the idea.

Let us know what you think about these options. I would love as much input as possible. Also please ignore the color combinations and my artistic style, but if you have any color suggestions we would also appreciate.

"Worst night of my life!" - Taylor Pope

2009-07-11T00:54:00.004-05:00

We have recently experienced an extremely rough night. Jennifer and I were blessed with two daughters that are masters at swapping roles. Addison may be having a bad day, but usually that means that Taylor is having a wonderful day. If this is always true, then July 4th was Addisons wonderfully spectacular best day. However, the opposite is true for Taylor. Celebrating America's Independence was wonderful, most of the day.

The day was going so great. We decided to load up on the Pontoon Boat and go watch Smith Lake's Fireworks show (starts at 8pm). [BIG MISTAKE] We loaded up on the boat and road for 20 Minutes to the site of the show. Everything went great so far. [However, under the surface of things a sleeping monster was beginnin to wake.] The show was wonderful. The girls were scared at first, but then the became more and more amazed. At the end of the show we began trying to find our way back home. Maning the ship was PawPaw. His steady hand guiding us through the waves left by the hundreds of boats around us. [Note: Pontoon boats are not fast and don't handle waves well.] We were being tossed everywhere. At one point our nose was engulfed in a wave. Soaking our makeshift bed for the girls.

Now here we are adrift in the middle of a rough lake, moving extremely slowly, far from home, and the beast wakes. Taylor does not handle staying up late well. She loses it She throws her self around in my arms. She screams, cries, hits. I am stuck in a boat, holding my child for safty sake. Taylor wants down, wants up, wants mommy, wants daddy. She wants and needs sleep, but a boat rocking in the lake is not condusive to sleep. Many times Jennifer and I swap children, but this does not help. A few times she calms down and we think it is over, but she is simply preparing for more. Finally, about 10pm we reach the dock and I bolt with Taylor in arm and head straight for the bed. I felt like a man ship wrecked and stranded in the middle of the ocean, floating on a piece of wood. I was so glad to step foot on dry ground because I knew a bed was close.

Summer Bugs

2009-07-11T00:04:00.005-05:00

I was reading the paper last week and noticed a story regarding Summer bugs. The Botanical Gardens was hosting a show of giant bugs made by a local artist. I thought this would be something Jennifer and the girls would love to see. The bugs were made from natural material and where oversized. I was set on us going to see this before the "Extermination Party" that would end the exhibit. We went yesterday. Below you will see the amazing pitures from this trip.

Our Exciting drive to see bugs.

Taylor running to see giant bugs.

Addison running to see giant bug.

Taylor searching for giant bug.

Addison just looking for any bugs.

We spent much of our time searching for the bugs we looked high and low. Now I have a suggestion to all of you. If you want to see giant bugs at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, then you must give up now. They are not to be found. However, if you will carefully read the article in the paper, then drive to Huntville Botanical Gardens, finally you will find giant bugs.

Moral of the Story: Read Carefully.

Now here are pictures of the actual exhibit in Huntsville. However, don't bother going unless you can be there by July 13 (Extermination Party) I still think that Jennifer and the girls would love it.

Showing Off the Floor

2009-06-29T18:49:00.005-05:00

Take a look at that beautiful floor and those beautiful Girls. I still have some touching up to do, but I think it looks pretty good. Thanks to Kenny Harden for the tools, Kenny Teske for the tools and the hard work, Dad for the hard work, Casey for the tools and hard work, Jennifer for the paitence and hard work, and Addison and Taylor for breaking the floor in.

Long Time Coming

2009-06-29T15:45:00.006-05:00

It has been such a long time since I have posted on this blog. However, not alot has changed. I have just completed my first year teaching and now I have come back to where I was when I began posting on this blog. I am home with my girls. I have been able to enjoy this summer spending time with my baby girls as they have grown so much. It is so amazing how much they have grown. They blow my mind every day. Since becoming a man (at least I like to think that I am now a man, some may disagree), there have been only a few times that tears have come to my eyes. Each of those times it has been because of those beautiful girls that are napping in the rooms down the hall. It is so wonderful how much love I have for my baby girls. I have to be one of the luckiest men to be able to spend so much time with them. However, it is hard to remember that when they are both face down in the carpet screaming at the top of their lungs about wanting what the other one has or has just taken from them.

I also am extremely thankful that I have been able to share many days with my wonderful wife. Jennifer you are an amazing wife and an amazing mother. I could not ask for a better friend. I know that I do not always show it, but it is true. She is beautiful, especially when she was sitting in the rocking chair last night holding Taylor as she was crying about...only God know...and Addison was just wanting "rock." I have never before seen a woman so beautiful as you are when your love for our beautiful girls is being displayed. Thank you for all of you love for us. She is now at work trying to support her bum of a husband and her two children, who will need to find a job this fall if I don't get on at another school.

I wonder, "how did we get hear?" It seems like yesterday when Jennifer and I were holding out our hands and gripping each others through the phone. (haha) It is amazing how time flies and how things change. (thankfully, for the better in our case) I just hope that I can be the husband and father that this family needs. I know that I still have a lot of growing to do and thankfully Jennifer, Addison, and Taylor are very forgiving. I want to upload a video for you to watch as we dance. You have to forgive me for being an idiot but I get it from my parents. They both have their goofy moments. Stephanie can attest to that. We are dancing with Choo Choo Soul a show on the Disney Channel. Great show and the girls love it. They always ask for "choo choo! choo choo!"

Oh yeah. By the way a little thing has changed since last time I posted or either of us have posted. We have moved to a new house. We moved to Helena, AL. We live in a community with a pool and the girls love it. The house has provided us with so much more room and so much more work I have just completed replacing the floors in the kitchen and dining room, building a fence, and a few other projects to make this our house.

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-14T14:05:00.004-05:00

We took the girls over to Poppy and Nina's to hunt easter eggs on sunday afternoon. It was funny to watch them running around looking for eggs. At one point Taylor got distracted by the swings and stopped that's when Addison picked up Taylor's basket and handed it to her so she would keep hunting... So funny. Thanks Poppy and Nina for the fun afternoon.

Addison handing Taylor her basket

Sweet Taylor
Sweet Addison

Addison and Taylor counting their eggs

Taylor found one

Addison found one too

Easter 2009

2009-04-14T12:57:00.006-05:00

We got the girls a few little toys for their Easter baskets. They really didn't need anything so we got them some beach toys for this summer.

Addison

Taylor

Playing at GiGi and PawPaw's

2009-04-14T09:45:00.006-05:00

Addison and Taylor spent the day with GiGi and PawPaw on Saturday so Bryan and I could get some packing done. (Thank you GiGi and Pawpaw). Then Saturday evening we got together to dye Easter eggs with all the kids. Addison and Taylor had a great time and seemed to really enjoy playing with the eggs and coloring them.

The finished product

Taylor and Brody

Addison

Taylor

CHUCK E CHEESE

2009-04-06T09:52:00.003-05:00

We went to Chuck E Cheese one day this past month and the girls loved it, and so did I. It kept them occupied for a couple of hours and got us out of the house. At first they were scared of the big Chuck E Cheese dancer but they quickly warmed up to him and wanted to sit on the stage wiith him.

Playing Ski Ball

Addison and Barney

Taylor and Chuck E

Sitting on stage with Chuck E Cheese (I couldn't get them to look at me for a picture - they were to focused on the singing Chuck E)

Check out new pics under snow day labeled fun outside. I've added them, but wanted to keep the pics in order.

SNOW DAY!!!

2009-03-01T11:04:00.004-06:00

Well I have to say I didn't think it was going to snow today. I even told my mom last night "I'll believe it when I see it." But we woke up this morning to a winter wonderland of white snow flakes falling. After breakfast we got the girls ready and went out for just a little bit. We didn't stay out long because the girls didn't have proper snow attire except for their big winter jackets. Addison loved the snow and started trampling through with no problem. However Taylor was a little standoffish and didn't like the idea of getting her feet dirty.

FUN OUTSIDE

2009-02-06T13:41:00.002-06:00

Finally it was pretty enough to move the girls slide and some toys outside on the back porch. They love playing outside.

Taylor

Addison

Addison

Taylor

2008-11-22T10:05:00.002-06:00

Just a few pictures of the girls, hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Helping mommy around the house

Abby sure would like to get inside and help the girls eat their snack.

Lil Pumpkins

2008-11-07T22:50:00.002-06:00

I just thought I would post some Halloween pics before Christmas rolls around the corner. Don't they look cute????

Taylor being serious

Addison chillin

Addison acting craaazy

Taylor striking a pose

You'll never guess what Addison is doing? (Watching TV - she loves to stand right under the TV especially when Barney or Sesame Streat is on)

Boo At The Zoo

2008-11-05T19:28:00.003-06:00

We went to Boo at the Zoo earlier this month, the girls seemed to have fun even though we were out way past their bedtime. We went on a hayride and rode on the carousel. The girls loved playing in the hay on the hay ride, but they kept wanting to eat it. Addison enjoyed the carousel (she is the dare devil) and Taylor was hesitant and wanting to get off. All in all it was a great evening.

Toward the end of the night we rode the carousel the girls were getting sleepy and we had to break out the paci and blankie

Mommy and Taylor

Daddy and Addison

Precious Memories

2008-10-28T12:34:00.003-05:00

Here's a video capturing the girls birth and the following days. It's soooo precious looking back on these sweet memories. Mommy and Daddy love you baby girls!!!

Coming soon Birthday pics and the girls first year video....

Lots of summer pics coming up!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-06T19:41:00.008-05:00

Yes, I am finally going to try and update the blog so i can get it up to speed, especially since the holidays are just around the corner. i want to keep everything in order, so hold on to your hats as i recap the summer. Stay tuned for Birthday pics next!!!

Fun around the house

Beach Pics

We went out to eat at sharky's one night and decided to take some pics on the beach while we were waiting for a table. Sorry some of the pics are blurry (it's time for a new camera)

These pics are of us at the beach in july.

Jake and Rachel with Lily and Iris
Bryan and Jenn with Addison and Taylor

Summer Fun

2008-09-05T19:41:00.007-05:00

Bryan and I, along with some friends and their twins decided to go to the beach together back in July. Crazy I know!! 4 adults and 4 babies under 1yr old. What were we thinking? We had a great time and yes it was a little crazy at times but we enjoyed every minute of it. Here are a few pics from the trip.

(Taylor, Lily and Iris, Addison)

We took the girls baby gate and a big tent so we could keep them contained and out of the sun and sand. It worked wonderfully (besides having to carry everything down to the beach) they played and napped in there while we enjoyed some fun in the sun.

Addison sporting her cool sunglasses In the sand for the first time - Taylor didn't like it so much and started crying so I am holding her, and Addison was curious about what the sand was and tried to eat it and also got it in her eye - Ouch!

Family pic: Addison, Mommy, Daddy, Taylor

9/10 Months Pics

2008-07-21T15:30:00.010-05:00

Aunt Stephanie has come through once again. These pictures turned out amazing. These two girls are absolutely beautiful. Here are the girls 9/10 months pictures. They are growing up so fast, I can't believe they are about to turn one in a couple of months.

4th of July Weekend

2008-07-09T11:07:00.010-05:00

Congratulations

Jason, Crystal, and William Finley Leight
Addison and Taylor welcomed their new friend, Fin, into the world.

July the 4th
@ Smith Lake
Addison and Taylor enjoyed the weekend at their great-grandparents. Thanks Granny and Pawpaw for the great weekend. Look forward to returning soon.

Got Milk?

Daddy's New Eyes

2008-07-01T09:53:00.003-05:00

This past Father's Day Addison's and Taylor's Dad won a contest. He was submitted to a contest of a local radio station by Gammy. The prize was a combination of a free trip to a resort in Florida, free dinner for four at a local restaurant, a gift card to a local sports store, and free LASIK vision surgery. Thanks Gammy for such a wonderful gift.

Bryan went last Thursday for his LASIK surgery at Michelson Laser Vision. The surgery went great. Dr. Marc Michelson, who performed the surgery, was a wonderful doctor. He enjoyed meeting Addison and Taylor. Thanks Dr. Michelson.

Last day to wear glasses.

No more glasses or contacts.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños!

2008-06-24T08:08:00.010-05:00

Happy Birthday Nathan Lee Allums!!!!!
From: Addison and Taylor
Come Home Soon and use your new swing.

Fun in the Water

2008-06-24T06:52:00.021-05:00

First time in the Pool.

Thanks Gammy and Papa for the Pool time.

First Time in the Lake
Thanks PawPaw and Granny for the great time this past Sunday. We all look forward to coming up and staying longer next time.

Happy Birthday Caitlyn and Brent
Caitlyn turns 1 and Brent turns 5.

Fun in the Tub

Guess who is now pulling up and standing.
Addison

Taylor is still working on crawling, but she is almost there.

Pretty Blue Eyes

2008-05-29T20:28:00.006-05:00

Mommy and Her Girls

The many faces of Taylor
The many faces of Addison

8 Months

2008-05-23T12:12:00.016-05:00

Addison and Taylor have now turned 8 months old, Wednesday, May 21st. It is amazing to see how much they have grown and all that they are able to do now. Addison can now sit up on her own, which she does quite often, especially in bed. She is almost crawling and is starting to pull herself up on the bed rail and living room furniture. Taylor is not quite as far along. She is still trying to recover from her Tethered Cord surgery. Since the surgery she has experienced swelling and redness, which caused us to taker her in to the surgeons office for a check up. They instructed us to continue to keep her flat and clean the incision. Her swelling and redness has not worsen nor improved much. However, she acts as though nothing is wrong. Her personality is a bright as ever. She is an exceptionally happy baby. We are so thankful for her beautiful, infectious smile. She is now beginning to sit up again and seems to be tolerating it well. She will soon be catching up with her sister. Both, Addison and Taylor are talking more and more. Addison usually repeats "mama mama mama" and Taylor usually repeats "dada dada dada". Below are pictures of these beautiful girls.

Addison sitting up in Bed
Addison and Mommy
Getting ready to crawl
Fallen Asleep

Taylor
Laying in bed, not sleeping
Playing in the floor
Mommy Kissing Taylor

Whewwwww!!!! It's Over...

2008-05-14T20:48:00.005-05:00

Taylor's surgery is finally over as well as all of the anticipation and anxiety of it all. Taylor had her spinal surgery on Monday. We stayed over night at Children's and we were home by Tuesday afternoon. She did really well and has only cried a little bit, but motrin and tylenol has kept her comfortable. She has to lay flat for 3 days - so on Friday we can start letting her sit up again. Keeping her flat hasn't been as hard as we thought it was going to be. We've been putting her on her playmat and letting her play with her toys on her belly or side. We are still able to hold her as long as we keep her flat. We just put a pillow in our laps and let her lay on it, however I want to just pick her straight up and snuggle her in my arms. Our main challenge has been to keep the dressing on her back clean and dry from urine and/or stool. The dressing is really low on her back so if she lays on her back urine and/or stool can easily migrate up to her incision area. We can't wait for our little lady bug to be up to par and rolling around with Addison. Addison and Taylor have been getting a lot of individual attention lately and I do believe that they have gotten a "little" spoiled. Okay alot spoiled!!! But, oh well I guess we will just have to deal with that. Here are some pics from Taylor's surgery.

Before surgery - Waiting in the holding room

Such a happy baby!!

Who said something about surgery???

In room after surgery

Waking up all smiles

Look at my cool set up

My flat car seat

Growing More Every Day

2008-05-06T08:32:00.017-05:00

Well Addison and Taylor have gotten so big. It is amazing to see them grow and learn. They are right on track. They are now sitting up all on their own, rolling over with ease, and Addison is starting to get on her hands and knees and rock back and forth. It is scary to think that they will be crawling any time now.

Daily nap with Mommy and Abby.

Helping hands:
Cousin Braigen feeding Addison

Great-Grandmother "Nonna" Feeding Taylor

Hands-Free & Lovin it:
Podee bottles are our new friends. These bottles work wonderfully. The girls can be sitting up or laying down while using the Podee bottles without assistance. This has freed up Daddy during the morning feeding. Now he has no excuse to not be cleaning up the house.

Addison

Taylor

Addison after bath.

Taylor after bath.

First Cracker:
The girls are experimenting with real foods. They are now eating Ritz Crackers. Actually, they are chewing on crackers and then dripping mushed crackers onto their clothes and whatever else is within range. A bath is necessary after crackers. They are so disgusting.

Addison

Taylor

Wii Tennis:
Addison and Taylor help Daddy and Jake play Wii Tennis. The game was great until Jake cheated (ha, ha). Jake, Rachel, Lily and Iris came over for dinner and Wii. Sorry, we did not get any pictures of the two sets of twins together. Maybe next time.

This is Lily, Rachel, Jake & Iris.

Lily and Iris

7 Months

2008-04-22T12:56:00.018-05:00

BIG DATE
The girls turned 7 Months old Monday. They have gotten so big. It is amazing to see how much they have grown. Addison and Taylor celebrated their 7 Months birthday with Ben (their 1st boy-friend.) We went to eat at Demetri's Bar-B-Que and then relaxed at Homewood Park.

Taylor Holding Ben's Hand

Addison, Ben, & Taylor

Addison, Ben & Taylor

Addison

TaylorAttack of the Twins

Taylor and Addison Swinging

Auntie Steph took some wonderful pictures of the girls and Poppy. Those blue eyes are amazing. Thanks Nina and Poppy for the beautiful dresses with the flowers.

Addison and Taylor

Addison

Taylor

Thanks Stephanie for the wonderful pictures. You can always bring the best out of the girls.

Busy Weekend - Great Times

2008-04-20T18:33:00.005-05:00

Getting Ready
Whew, what a weekend. Addison and Taylor have greatly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Friday morning Addison and Taylor posed for Daddy and showed their personalities and their attitudes while getting ready to go to Uncle Conner's and Aunt Steph's B'Day party.
Park Day
Saturday, Mommy and the girls enjoyed the sun at Park Day with their cousins and Gigi Pawpaw. The girls mostly napped in the shade of their jogging stroller.2X2.
Sunday, Addison and Taylor enjoyed their first play-date with Lilly and Iris. Lilly and Iris are a set of twins that were born 4 days after Addison and Taylor. (Thanks Rachel and Jake for bringing your beautiful girls. We will do it again soon.)
Fun in the Sun
Sunday afternoon, the girls went to the park to watch Poppy, Nina, Uncle Conner, Aunt Steph, Uncle Casey, and Brock play soccer and relax in the sun. Thanks to the beautiful weather, great family, and new friends we had a great weekend.

2008-04-01T08:43:00.004-05:00

BIG GIRLS!!!!!

our forgotten children

Well we have a lot of catching up to do. Sorry to all our fellow bloggers who keep looking for an update and getting nothing. This past month has been very busy, but I don't think it is going to calm down any time soon so Bryan and I should just get used to it. We'll try and do better and update on a day to day basis, or at least weekly. Today we have an appointment with Taylor's neurosurgeon to schedule her surgery date. Most of you already know that Taylor is going to have to have surgery on her spine because it terminates at L3 (3rd lumbar space) instead of L2 or above. Bryan and I are anxious and ready to get this over with. Please pray for our little girl as she has to endure yet another surgery. On a happier note Addison and Taylor are doing great. They are growing so big. They are talking and babbling to each other and Addison is saying maaamaaa - even though she doesn't realize she is calling me it still melts my heart every time I hear it. They are also sitting up all by themselves, for a little while anyway. I sit pillows around them so when they fall they won't bump their heads. Well I have a bunch of pics to post so I better get started.

Five Months Old

2008-02-28T17:22:00.000-06:00

The girls turned 5 months old on the the 21st of this month and boy how things have changed. They are now almost 16 lbs and growing with every passing day. We have finally achieved what every parent dreams about after that first day home from the hospital with their newborn - SLEEP. The girls have both been sleeping for 10-12 hours at night for the past month. I remember asking myself if I would ever sleep again after they came home from the hospital and the answer is an astounding"YES" WoooooooHoooooooo!!!
Addison is rolling over now from back to belly and Taylor doesn't care to roll over - she gets on her side and gets bored, but she is almost there. They are both attempting to sit up unassisted for about 5-10 seconds, but then they plop over. We introduced baby food about a month ago and they are starting to get the hang of it. They love green peas, applesauce, bananas and carrots. And more wonderful news - We are no longer going through 8 bottles a day (per child) we are only going through 4. Their personalities are developing even more and they are starting to interact with each other. They will babble, laugh and smile at each other and I have already had to separate them on occasion for hair pulling. I can only imagine what they will be doing next - I think it's time for Bryan and I to start baby proofing our house because it won't be long before they are going to be all over the place. Here's some recent pics of our family. ENJOY.

Finally, Some Time Outside

2008-02-12T16:57:00.000-06:00

Thanks to the beautiful weather we have had recently, we have taken the girls to parks. We took the girls to Pleasant Grove Park to swing and slide. Then we took the girls to Aldridge Gardens (a beautiful place in Hoover).

One Year Ago Today...........

2008-02-08T12:31:00.000-06:00

Well a year ago today Bryan and I received news that would change our life forever. We were pregnant. Wow!! we were shocked, overjoyed and overwhelmed. We weren't really planning on starting a family until another year, but God had given us this blessing a little early and we happily accepted it. I can't begin to tell you the feelings and emotions that we felt as we began this journey into parenthood. The last year has been the most difficult, rewarding and challenging year of my life, but to God be the glory that we have made it through a high risk pregnancy, an unexpected surgery at Taylor's birth, and caring for multiples. I hope and pray that this next year is full of happiness and excitement as we watch Addison and Taylor grow. Thankyou all for joining us on this journey.

Happy Days with Fun and Food

2008-02-05T21:59:00.000-06:00

Happy 4th Anniversary

2008-01-30T22:01:00.000-06:00

First Spoonfuls

2008-01-29T13:59:00.000-06:00

The girls are now eating by spoons in addition to their bottles. Mommy and Daddy enjoy watching these two beautiful babies learning to use their mouths in a new way. They are growing up so much.

Time @ Home

2008-01-23T18:39:00.000-06:00

While Jennifer is at work the girls and I find ways to pass the time.

It is amazing what these girls can get me to do.

Taylor and Daddy Hanging Around

Daddy and Addison Taking a Nap

Babies' First Snow

2008-01-19T12:31:00.000-06:00

Yeah! It snowed.

Today the Girls and I got outside to see the snow in our "Winter Wonderland."

Uncle Casey built a snowman for the girls to sit next to for a picture.

Mommy came by and visit in-between her work. (We missed you Mommy.)

Update.

2008-01-17T21:32:00.000-06:00

Well today was the big day for Taylor's MRI, and after the early morning trip to the hospital we found out that they couldn't do it. Needless to say we were a little frustrated. They couldn't do the MRI because Taylor was still too little - she had to be atleast 56 weeks old and she is only 51 weeks. I was looking forward to getting this over with and had been anxious all week wondering about what the MRI results might reveal, but looks like we will have to wait a few more weeks to find out.

Mommy and the Girls pose for the camera.

2008-01-16T11:53:00.001-06:00

In the following pictures Addison is on the left and Taylor is on the right.

Taylor Riley

Addison Claire

Thanks Aunt Stephanie. The pictures turned out great.

Family and Friends come to visit

2008-01-16T10:15:00.000-06:00

We want to thank all the visitors who have come to help us and see our beautiful girls. We are sorry for those visitors we have not pictured here. Everyone's love and support is greatly appreciated.

Play time with Addison and Taylor

2008-01-09T14:19:00.000-06:00

2008-01-04T16:17:00.001-06:00

Addison in her sassy seat jumperTaylor in her bumpo

Daddy with Taylor (left) and Addison (right)

Mommy wiyh Taylor (left) and Addison (right)

Fun on their playmat

2008-01-04T11:30:00.000-06:00

Well it's been a while since our last blogger post - Life has been crazy over the past few holiday months and I'm hoping things are about to start slowing down. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and I'm excited to see what the new year has to bring. The girls are getting big now. At our last doctor's visit Addison was 12lbs 5oz and Taylor was 12lbs 8oz. What little chunks!!!
They are more alert than ever and developing cute personalities. They laugh and smile and are much more interactive. They like to watch TV with their daddy and to get them to eat I have to keep them away from distractions because they are so nosey they would rather pay attention to something else than eat their bottle.
Please keep Taylor in your prayers, we are going to have a MRI on Jan 17th at children's to evaluate her spine for a tethered cord. She will have to be sedated with general anesthesia due to her tracheomalacia at the site of her TEF repair. We are hoping and praying that the MRI shows that her spine is fine but if not she will have to have surgery to correct it. I hope my baby girl doesn't have to have surgery again, but I am glad that their are great neurosurgeons at children's and I know she is in good hands.

Well I need to get back to work - I will post pictures when I get home this evening so you can see how big they have gotten.

Chrismas pics - Sneak Peak

2007-12-06T18:25:00.000-06:00

Well I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and now Christmas is coming around the corner. Wow how time flies. The girls are almost 3 months old now. They went to the doctor last week and Addison is 10lbs 4oz and Taylor is 10lbs 3ozs. They also got their 2month immunizations last week and after that they were fussy for 3 days. It was then that I realized how lucky we are because they are generally very happy babies and I couldn't imagine having to deal with 2 very fussy babies all the time. It seems that every week they start doing something different, and recently they have starting interacting with us alot more than they used to. Their little smiles just melt my heart. I am so proud to be their mommy. Well here are a few pics that were taken recently.

Two Beautiful Girls

2007-11-15T15:34:00.001-06:00

Sorry that we have not posted much information recently. Jennifer started back work last Monday and that has taken time for all of us to get use to. Thankfully, our families have been a huge help. We are still struggling to figure out the best arrangement for sleep and feedings, but we have learned what does not work. The girls are doing great. They are both over 8 lbs, now. They are so big and growing more every day. We have greatly enjoyed watching this amazing time in their lives.

We have experienced another great joy in our lives during this time. We were able to hear Nathan's (Stephanie's and Casey's son in Guatemala) for the first time over the phone. He sounded so sweet. Stephanie and Casey are visiting him for the week. They are finally getting to hold, feed, bathe, kiss, hug, and love their baby boy in person. I cannot imagine the joy in their hearts during this time. We cannot wait to see picture of their trip. Please remember them as they leave tomorrow to return home. Next time they go to Guatemala they will be returning with Addison's and Taylor's Cousin, Nathan Lee. A link to Stephanie's and Casey's and Nathan's blog is on our blog. Please read their story if you have not already.

Below are some pics of Addison and Taylor since Halloween. Sorry it has taken so long.

Happy Family

Bath time

Happy Halloween

The Girls Pose for Aunt Stephanie

2007-11-05T11:48:00.000-06:00

Addison's Close-up
Taylor's Close-up
Head to Head

Tiny Toes

Taylor is Pooped or Pooping ???

Addison Holding Daddy's Hand

Two Heads are Better than One

Taylor Trying to Nap

Daddy Holding Addison

Hugs and Kisses

2007-10-25T17:18:00.000-05:00

Addison (left) and Taylor (right)

This is how they remember each other. Addison (top) Taylor (bottom)

New pics and weight update

2007-10-19T21:37:00.000-05:00

Addison and Taylor went to the pediatrician's office today for a weight check. Addison is 6lbs 7oz and Taylor is 6lbs 9oz. Taylor has pulled ahead by 2 whole ounces and is winning the race - way to go Taylor, but your sister is trying to catch up as she has been a little piglet today eating 4oz with each bottle. Mommy is trying to get the hang of going out with these two and so far we have been doing well - i've taken the advice of others and now have an emergency bag stocked with extra formula, diapers, wipes and a change of clothes. We'll I am going to try to post some pics over the past few days so you guys can see how much these girls are growing. I haven't figured out yet how to size down the pics so it will probably take up the whole page but just bare with me and enjoy the pics.

Addison and Taylor going for their first ride in their stroller.

Taylor (left) Addison (right)

Taylor loves chillin in her pappasan chair

Addison enjoys laying under her Baby Einstein mat

The girls love napping with their daddy

Daddy feeding both girls Taylor (i think) had eaten her bottle and was wore out laying on the boppy while daddy finished feeding Addison (i think)

Daddy multi tasking - feeding both girls and talking on the phone all at the same time.

2007-10-17T21:27:00.001-05:00

It's been crazy in the pope house lately so I haven't had time to update the blog. Today we had a follow up appointment with Dr. Harmon (pediatric surgeon who did Taylor's surgery). Everything checked out well and Dr. Harmon was pleased with Taylor's progress. He did increase her dose of Prevacid according to her weight - he said that he really wanted to keep a handle on her reflux issues so that it doesn't cause problems to her esophagus and her repair site. She weighed in today at 6lbs 4oz. I don't know Addison's weight yet but we're going to our pediatrician on Friday to get their weights checked there also - they will let you come in just to weigh in and all you have to do is call. At our last pediatrician appointment he wanted us to come in at 1month so they will be able to follow their weights more closely. I can't believe that the girls are almost 1 month old. Everyone keeps telling me to enjoy this time because it will fly by, and I'm beginning to believe them. I'm trying to enjoy spending time with them and not be so wrapped up in the continual around the clock feedings and diaper changes. Bryan and I are exhausted but we are trying to work out a schedule where we can both get some uninterrupted sleep at night by working shifts. In doing this "shift work" we can both have about 5 hours of sleep and that seems like enough to function on. We'll gotta go Addison's crying to eat.

Bath time with mommy and daddy

2007-10-13T18:40:00.001-05:00

Addison and Taylor didn't seem to mind bath time; however it sure wore mommy and daddy out. How often are babies supposed to have a bath anyway? - hehehe just kidding.

I did it!!!

2007-10-12T03:15:00.000-05:00

It is 3:15am Friday morning. I just finished feeding Addison and Taylor at the same time. I woke up a few minutes late for the 2am feeding and Taylor was not happy about it. Shortly after I got Taylor in the living room and began changing her diaper, Addison began screaming. I quickly changed Taylor and laid her in the "Boppy" (what a life saver those things are) and ran to get Addison before she woke Jennifer up. I then changed Addison and sat her in the other Boppy beside Taylor. While I was trying to get both bottles warmed, the girls were in the living room screaming their heads off. I began to wonder,"What have I done? Maybe, I should get Jennifer to help? or Maybe I should get the camera to show everyone what 3am is like in our house?" I did not do either. I began feeding both girls at the same time.
Over the past three weeks I have had bragging rights over Jennifer. Taylor had not spit-up with me feeding her. This morning I lost those bragging privileges. I tried to keep a close eye on both girls, especially Taylor about her spitting-up. However, when I turned my head for just a second to look at Addison to see if she had finished her bottle, I turned back to see formula running out of Taylor's nose.
Now I have cleaned Taylor up, changed both girls' clothes (because they need to match?!?!?!), and have placed them back in their Boppies with their pacifiers, hoping they will fall asleep soon. However, as I write this message, Addison and Taylor are grunting (that means either pooping or pooting [I never imagined that two tiny things could produce so much poop and gas]) and periodically crying. They are wide-eyed and determined to keep their dad up until 4am. I thought I had done so good. I was done feeding at 3am. It took me less than an hour to feed both girls. No feeding can be over in an hour, it must last at least 2 to 3 hours. I have to go now, I believe that Addison is now done pooping. Wish me luck.

Addison and Taylor's 1st doctor's appointment

2007-10-10T20:10:00.000-05:00

Addison (left) and Taylor (right)

Taylor waiting for the doctor

Addison waiting for the doctor

Addison and Taylor had their first doctor's appointment yesterday and needless to say mommy and daddy had a very eventful day as this was our first outing since coming home from the hospital. Our appointment was at 11:30 but we didn't leave our house to almost 11:30 (mommy didn't realize how long it would take to get herself ready as well as the girls). So on our way to the doctor's appointment I called to let them know that we were running late and they asked if we could just come in later at 1:30 (2 hours later than our expected appointment). So here we are already out with the girls, not wanting to go back home because it took so long to get out of the house, we thought we could run a few errands and then go to our doctor's appointment. Well about halfway into our trip the girls are hungry and need their diapers changed. We pull over in a parking lot to feed and change the girls - not as comfortable as being at home, and did I forget to mention it was raining. Addison had peed out of her diaper on her outfit and Taylor had spit up on hers -luckily we did bring a change of clothes. By the time we got through feeding and changing it was already 1:00 - we had to get going because we couldn't be late for our doctor's appointment twice in one day. We finally made it to the doctor but it took forever having to update new information and fill out forms as well as wait on the doctor to see us. By the time we were done at the doctor's office the girls were crying and it was time to feed and change again. Well we were out of formula and diapers (we were only expecting to be out of the house for a couple of hours - for one feed and diaper change). Thankfully the doctor's office had sample diapers and formula and they let us stay in the exam room to feed them. So we learned to always expect the unexpected and be prepared with extra diapers, wipes and formula.
Addison and Taylor's exam went great. Addison weighed in at 5lbs 14oz and Taylor at 5lbs 11oz. The doctor was very pleased and said that their growth was coming along good. We will go for another appointment with Taylor's pediatric surgeon next Wednesday for a follow up so maybe all these follow up appointments will prepare mommy and daddy for future outings.

Our Beautiful Little Ladybugs

2007-10-07T21:40:00.000-05:00

Pics of Coming Home

2007-10-06T18:39:00.000-05:00

Taylor getting ready to go home.

Addison getting ready to go home.

One proud Dad.

Welcome Home.

We're Home!!!!!

2007-10-05T20:32:00.000-05:00

Finally we're home. It has been a long and exhausting two weeks and it sure does feel good to be back in the comfort of our own home. Addison and Taylor are adapting well to their new home as well. Bryan and I will need to definitely get into a scheduled routine so that we can function and get some sleep. Taylor's feedings are going well and she gained weight the past two nights and she has been keeping her feedings down with very little vomiting. However the every two hour feeds is not optimal for sleep (but at this point with newborn twins, what is?) We're hoping and praying that Taylor's reflux will start getting better as her stomach adjusts to larger volumes and we can give her feedings every three hours with larger volumes and she can still gain weight and grow. Addison is a little piglet and is tolerating her feedings great. We will see her pediatrician on next Tuesday and if Taylor isn't gaining weight we will change her to a 24 calorie formula from her 20 calorie formula. Thank you all for your love, support and prayers during this difficult time. Please continue to pray for our girls and that Taylor will continue to recover and heal well from her surgery.

We'll be home soon.

2007-10-03T20:17:00.001-05:00

Bryan and I are so excited and hoping we get to come home on Friday. The past week and a half have felt like years, and we can't wait to get back in our home with our two new baby girls. Due to Taylor's spitting up three times yesterday they decided to try to change her formula and feed her every two hours with a smaller volume. The smaller volume is because her tummy can't handle the larger volume at this time and she refluxes it back up. So the every two hour feeds doesn't allow for mommy and daddy to get much sleep lately, but I am willing to try anything to get her gaining weight. Taylor hasn't thrown up at all today and we are so excited. We're hoping that the scales show an increase in her weight tonight when she gets weighed. Addison is doing great - she's eating wonderfully and she sleeps good (most of the time). Thanks again for your prayers and encouraging words.

Thank you all.

2007-10-03T13:58:00.000-05:00

2007-10-02T19:13:00.000-05:00

Addison and Taylor have had a good day today. We will hopefully be going home on Friday if all goes well with Taylor and her feedings. She has started spitting up some and loosing a little bit of weight so the doctor wants to see her gain weight before we can go home. They both got their synagis shots yesterday (ouchie) to protect them from RSV for the coming up fall and winter season. Also Taylor had a test for bladder reflux yesterday which looked fine, passed her hearing screen test and had a spinal ultrasound today which we haven't gotten the results back from yet. The doctor's are just covering all their bases to give these girls a good bill of health before we go home. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Please pray that Taylor will start getting better with her feedings and the spitting up will calm down a bit so she can gain weight and we can go home.

2007-10-02T19:08:00.001-05:00

Don't we look cute dressed alike. Can you tell who's who?
Addison and Taylor's first bath together.

Call us roomies

2007-09-30T22:16:00.000-05:00

Today has been an exciting day. Taylor and Addison have been reunited again. We were able to move Taylor from the NICU stepdown unit to Addison's room today. We are so excited to finally be all together for the very first time. Bryan and I are overwhelmed with excitement and worry as we prepare to take care of these baby girls all on our own (well were not all on our own exactly yet - we are still in the hospital with the help of the nurses) . Addison is doing well and will probably be discharged tomorrow. However we will still be able to keep her in the room with us and Taylor until Taylor is discharged. Taylor is still doing well. She is working on her feeding skills. She is eating 30-35ml every 3 hours. She has had some reflux with her feedings but it hasn't been unmanageable - just normal baby feeding spit ups. The doctors have had her on zantac but are changing her to prevacid tomorrow so maybe that will help with the reflux issues. She makes me nervous due to her TEF repair and the possibility of her choking with feedings, but I hope we will get comfortable with her feeding issues soon. Thank you all for your encouraging words and prayers. It has been an emotional roller coaster but we hope to be home soon and work on getting into a normal schedule.

Scroll down and Check out the latest video.

One Big Happy Family

2007-09-30T21:32:00.000-05:00

Happy 1 Week Birthday, Addison and Taylor.

2007-09-28T19:15:00.001-05:00

These two girls have become the center of our world. It is amazing how much love I have for the two of them. I have only known them for a week, but I feel as though I have always loved them. Parenthood is an amazing experience with great joys and worries. Jennifer and I have experienced a myriad of emotions over the past week as our family has doubled. Truly we have been blessed by these two amazing angles in our lives.

Jennifer is doing wonderful. She has healed and recovered wonderfully. Addison is still doing great and she may be discharged Monday. Last night Taylor pulled her feeding tube out and the surgeon told her nurse to not worry about it, because she was scheduled for a swallow test today. Her swallow test went great and Jennifer was able to feed Taylor for the first time, by bottle, at 10am. Taylor has done wonderfully. She is now up to 20ml every 3 hours and is handling it with ease. At Taylor's 1pm feeding Jennifer and I took Addison to the NICU to have them together for the first time since the day they were born. For the first time, we were able to hold them both at the same time. It was the most amazing time of our lives. The moment was overwhelming. I was looking at my right hand and seeing Addison and my left hand and seeing Taylor. I would not trade that moment for anything.

Here are pictures of our beautiful girls.

2007-09-27T15:24:00.001-05:00

">
">
">

Our Little Lady Bugs

2007-09-26T15:31:00.001-05:00

Hello everybody, I just wanted to update everyone of how we are doing. Jennifer and I became parents of two beautiful girls on Fri. September 21, 2007, by c-section. Addison Claire arrived at 7:41am and Taylor Riley arrived at 7:42am. Addison was 4 lbs 14 oz, 17 inches long and Taylor was 5 lbs 4 oz, 18 inches long. Both girls were premature. They were born at 35 weeks and 4 days. However, they had no side effects of their prematurity. However, Taylor had developed an abnormality. Her esophagus was not connected. The top portion of her esophagus came down to her chest and stopped. The bottom portion of her esophagus came from the stomach and connected into her trachea. We were told at about 10 am by the Neonatologist that Taylor had this defect and would have to be transferred to Children’s hospital for surgery. At noon the next day she was taken back to surgery at Children’s hospital. Addison stayed in the NICU at St. Vincent’s till Tue. @ 2pm. She was being observed for her Oxygen Saturation. After 4 hours of surgery, Taylor was taken to the NICU @ Children’s. She is still currently in the NICU, but is doing wonderful. Hopefully, she will begin feeding by mouth on Fri. or Sat. Addison is doing wonderful and is in a room under observation at Children’s until further notice. Jennifer and I are able to stay with and care for Addison at the Children’s Hospital. Jennifer was finally able to hold Taylor for the first time today (Wed.) at 10:30am. The past few days have been amazing, wonderful, stressful, and scary. However, we know that we are blessed to have two baby girls who are doing great and will be able to get through this hard time with few to no minor long term effects. Physically, Jennifer is recovering wonderfully. However the stress of this time has weighed heavily on her emotions. Jennifer, Taylor, and Addison are trying to rest and get ready to go home. Feel free to email me with more questions later. I will try to reply ASAP. Your thoughts and prayers mean much to Jennifer and me. Please pray especially for Jennifer as she struggles for sleep in our busy lives, and pray that I will learn to change a diaper without getting pee all over Addison’s clothes. That will help Jennifer rest easier. Thanks, Bryan Pope

Tomorrow is the big day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-09-20T12:31:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness I can't believe the time has finally arrived for Addison and Taylor to make their grand entrance. We had a doctor's appointment this morning and all is well but my blood pressure is still a little high and one of my labs (platelet count) was a little low so the doctor said he would rather go ahead with the c-section tomorrow morning instead of on Monday. The blood pressure and plt count is nothing to worry about though and it is all under control. So we were told to be at the hospital tomorrow morning at 5:15 and they will do the c-section at 7:30. Please pray for Addison and Taylor's health and well being as well as for a safe delivery. We're hoping that they will be able to stay with us in the room, but they may still have to spend some observation time in the NICU to make sure that everything is okay. We're expecting them to weigh somewhere between 5 - 51/2 lbs each but we will see - they may surprise us and be about 6lbs by now. Well we will try to update everyone as soon as we can but it may be a few days before we can get around to it.

Any day now...

2007-09-19T20:05:00.000-05:00

Bryan and I had another doctor's appointment this afternoon and we learned that we could have these babies any day between tomorrow and monday. I have been having blood pressure issues as well as swelling so the doctor did some lab work today and wants me to come back tomorrow morning for another blood pressure check. he told me not to eat or drink anything because he may want to do a c-section tomorrow. He also did a bpp (biophysical profile) which checks the babies to make sure they are not in any distress and they looked great. So we will find out tomorrow morning what will happen. we are very anxious and just can't wait for these girls to get here. thank you all so much for your prayers and support.

Anxiously Waiting

2007-09-14T09:36:00.000-05:00

Bryan and I are anxiously awaiting Addison and Taylor's arrival. Everyday that passes seems like an eternity - at least for me. We had our 34 week doctor's appointment on Wednesday and the doctor said that I'm doing great and the babies are looking good. He also said that I could start weaning the medication that he has me on for preterm labor. Hallelujah!!!! I was so excited to hear that. I am tired of taking that medication because it makes me feel awful and maybe being off of it will make these next 2 weeks a little bit more bearable. We also talked to the doctor about how these babies are going to be born as far as a c-section or normal delivery, and Bryan and I have decided that it is best for the babies and me if we do a c-section. So with that said next week at my 35 week appointment we will schedule a c-section for the following week. The doctor said he would take them at 36 weeks - Wow!!! we can finally see the finish line and I know that the prize(s) are going to be so worth all the pain and discomfort I've been in for the past few weeks. I know our family will be glad when these babies are here also so they can quit waiting on me hand and foot.

Still at home

2007-09-05T19:09:00.000-05:00

We had another doctor's appointment this morning which went really well. My contractions have remained the same but there has not been any progression (meaning I have not dilated anymore). The babies looked great on the ultrasound and their measurements showed that they weighed 5lbs 2oz and 5lbs 4oz. We think the measurements are a little off because it is so hard to get accurate measurements on them due to them being cramped in there. We believe they are more along the lines of 4lbs 5oz which we are still very pleased with. I think that since there hasn't been any progression over the past week and a half that we may just make it to 36 weeks. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Update from doctor's appointment

2007-09-01T10:53:00.000-05:00

We had a doctor's appointment yesterday and all is still going well. I haven't progressed any so my doctor let us come back home. We were all packed and ready to go because we didn't want to be unprepared like we were last week. So we're keeping our bags packed because we don't know when these girls are going to make their grand entrance. My doctor says that he thinks I will make it through next week (which is week 33) but probably not much longer than that. Wow it's hard to believe that the time is almost here to meet these little ones. The anxiety for Bryan and I is beginning to kick in as we make final preparations, but I believe that is normal for any new and expecting parents. We'll keep you updated as time goes by.

We're Home!!!!!!!

2007-08-28T18:24:00.000-05:00

Finally we're home. We have only been in the hospital for a week and yet it felt like an eternity. I am home on strict orders to stay in the bed, couch or chair and to not get up to do anything except use the bathroom and shower of course. It feels like these next few weeks are going to creep by. I am now 32 weeks and 2 days. My doctor wants to see me make it to 34 weeks, so I am going to try to do my best to keep those babies cooking for 2 more weeks atleast. We had an ultrasound yesterday at the hospital and they are both almost 4lbs and looking great. That is awesome news. We have another doctors appointment this Friday to make sure things haven't progressed any more and I am praying that they haven't because I do not want to me summoned to a hospital bed again. My doctor sent me home on the same medications that they were giving me in the hospital so maybe everything will stay the same. I have a feeling that these babies are going to come when they want to come and there really isn't much we can do about it, but we can take these precautions to try to hold them off a little bit longer. Bryan and I want to thank everyone for your continued love and support - we can't express how much we truly appreciate you all.

Held Hostage :)

2007-08-26T20:47:00.000-05:00

This is Auntie Steph, posting for Mama Jenn! Bryan and Jennifer are being held hostage at Saint Vincent's:) She has been there since Wednesday. She was having some "strange stomach pain" and come to find out she was having contractions.(which she has been having on and off for a few weeks) These contractions seemed to be worse than the ones in the past, so the doctor started her on IV medication to slow down or stop the contractions, which has been working on and off. She is now on medication by mouth. She is having few and far between contractions now. Addison and Taylor are doing great- just hanging out and growing! We are hoping Mom and babies get to come home tomorrow, if doc says it is okay! Please keep them in your prayers! We want these babies to come in God's perfect timing. We will keep you updated when we know more!
~Auntie Steph

4D US pics - 30 weeks

2007-08-16T14:48:00.001-05:00

2007-08-16T14:39:00.000-05:00

4D US pics from yesterday 8/15/07 - all the pics were a little bit blurry so at my next visit we're going to try to get some better pics.

baby tea

2007-08-16T14:32:00.001-05:00

2007-08-16T12:30:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted so now it's time to play catch up. Addison and Taylor are doing great and they are growing right on track as they should - their mommy is growing rounder to. Our last visit to the doctor Addison weighed 3lbs 12oz and Taylor weighed 3lbs 7 oz.

July 22, 2007 - Baby Tea

TWINS!!!!

2007-07-15T21:31:00.002-05:00

We were happy but shocked when we found out that we were pregnant however little did we know that we were going to have two additions to our family instead of one. We should have been prepared the day we had our ultrasound about the possibility of finding two little babies instead of just one. We had talked about the possibility of twins because they run in our family, but that's all we did was talk about it - I never actually thought that it would happen. On the day of our 1st 8 week ultrasound I was just so excited and nervous about hearing our little one's heartbeat for the first time that I didn't even think to prepare myself that there might be two heartbeats to hear. Boy were we in for a surprise. As soon as the ultrasound tech put the gel on my belly and looked at the picture on the screen she asked us "do twins run in your family?" At that very moment it seemed that everything came to a halt as I came to the realization that we were having twins. Bryan thought that the ultrasound tech was playing a joke on us and it took a second for it to sink in. Then we heard the TWO little heart beats and were overjoyed at the miracle of life that God has blessed us with.

Addison Claire - 25 weeks

Taylor Riley - 25 weeks

New Beginnings

2007-07-15T20:44:00.000-05:00

Since there are going to be alot of changes going on in the Pope family over the next few months I thought it would be a good idea to start a blog for us, family and friends. I have never done this before so bear with me.