One month and growing fast!

Today the girls are one month old. I can't believe it. I was told the first month would be a blur and it's true. We're adjusting well. Our new reality is pretty overwhelming at times, but we are so blessed and in love with our babies.

We went to the doctor today and the girls are chunking up. Jillian weighs 9lb 13oz and Lauren is catching up with sister at 9lb 5oz. Jillian is 22" long (grown 2" since birth) and Lauren is 21 1/2" (grown 2 1/2" since birth). The doctor said they looked great.

We're anxiously awaiting to see their smiles. We catch a little grin every once in a while, so we know they're coming soon. We think Jillian will be first. She is very attentive when you talk to her and is already starting to coo.

Lauren is so snuggly. She's had a very painful diaper rash for a couple weeks, so she's required a little extra TLC. She loves to lay on my chest. When you put her there, she goes to sleep instantly.

I love how different they are (except when it comes to sleep - their differences there make sleep a real challenge for mom and dad) (please pray for us!).

I'm posting several pictures. The professional shots are from our first photo shoot at JCPenney. The candid shots were taken tonight to mark their one month birthday. Enjoy!

Three weeks old

The girls are three weeks old today. They are both doing great, except that they hit the three-week growth spurt and so their schedules are not coordinating at night like they did the first two weeks. I find that the schedule is the toughest part right now. Two babies. Two tummies. It only makes sense that they will get off the same schedule, but mommy just wants to sleep. I know it won't last forever and so we persevere. It's a good thing they're both so cute!

We're enjoying getting to know them and learning how completely different they really are. It's so amazing.

More pictures

The girls are now 2 weeks, 2 days old. We went back to the pediatrician on Tuesday and they both have put on almost a pound each! I can see already that Jillian is going to have some kissable chubby cheeks.

We're still adjusting to our new life at home. Night feedings can be challenging as any new mom knows. It takes a good hour to feed them each time and they eat every three hours. You do the math. I've had great help every day, which has made a world of difference. So, I'm able to feel rested and even get a shower each day.

Andy is an amazing Daddy - one of the best ever, if you ask me. He gets up at night with a great attitude, changes diapers (we go through about 20 a day) and feeds them bottles like a pro. I'm so grateful.

Yesterday we had our first family photo shoot. I'll have those pictures to post soon. In the meantime, enjoy a few candid shots from around the house.

Just Pictures

Jillian and Lauren meet their new cousin, Sophie. Sophie seemed to like them and wanted to pat them on the head. So cute!









Jake Poe loves his cousins. He has already helped to hold the bottle and feed Jillian and gave Lauren a kiss on the head. The first thing he said when he saw them was, "They're little!"











All bundled up and ready to leave the hospital.









At their first doctors appointment, where they were declared "Perfect." But I didn't need a doctor to tell me that!

We're home and we're in love!

Well, it finally happened. Our beautiful girls are finally here and we couldn't be more surprised by the love we feel for these blessings from God.

Drum roll please...














Lauren Joelle Keller
September 26, 2006 at 2:41 p.m.
6lb. 10oz.
19" long
















Jillian Abrielle Keller
September 26, 2006 at 2:43 p.m.
7lb. 10oz.
20" long

Labor was no picnic. We left for the hospital on Monday afternoon to be induced. We checked in at 4:30 p.m. and they began to induce me at 6 p.m. I labored through the night and into the next morning. We were surprised it was taking so long be I was 4cm dialated before they even hooked me up to the meds.

To make a long story short, I began to feel a lot of pain, in spite of the epidural b/c Lauren's head was lodged in an uncomfortable way. They also had MagSulfate in my IV for my blood pressure, which gave me an awful headache.

My doctor finally intervened at 2 p.m. and said we would give my body a couple more hours to make the final jump from 9cm to 10cm. But, after laboring that long and my uterus being so stretched, my contractions just weren't powerful enough.

After 20 hours of labor, we went into surgery and our babies were born.

They didn't make much noise when they came out, they were both very alert and just looking around. We had picked out their names but didn't know who was who until we saw their faces. We named them in the OR, before they wheeled me back to our room.