The "wow, you're having twins, we're sending you some of our baby stuff"  phase has begun! We are so grateful for our friends (and other moms of multiples), especially my dear friend Janet who primed and painted the entire babies' room a beautiful Mediterranean blue this week.  It is just stunning, and will look great with all of the Dr. Seuss-themed items.  The furniture arrives tomorrow, and we'll get the room all set up before she flies back to Baltimore so she can admire her handiwork. Peter really lucked out, but he'll have PLENTY to do when he gets back from his trip to Germany. He's having a rockin' time with his best friend (and future Godfather), Mark.  No autobahn for the pregnant gal!  Look for room photos in the gallery this weekend (and 25 week belly shots too).  Can't believe we are at month 7!  Slowing down a bit, but sleeping well and getting as much done as possible before the "resting period" sets in. Premature labor is a big concern starting in the early-30 weeks, so important to relax and get these guys along as far as possible.  Roman has shifted completely around again, so a C-section is looking more and more probable (he's never in the correct position for natural delivery, and he'll be the first one out).  No worries!  Just want my babies healthy and here in my arms.  Talk to you next week, friends.  My birthday is coming up (the second one where I'm preggers), so champagne will have to wait until the fall - LOL. 

New photos of Kate and Roman in the Gallery (Roman showed Godmommy Shari his face)!  As many of you know, I am the incoming President of my local Rotary Club and one of my passions is working with kids.  On Monday, the first grade class I work with for Junior Achievement hosted a "goodbye" party for me, complete with Rice Crispy treats, gifts, and a handmade book entitled "How to Be a Good Mom."  Here are some of my favorite entries:

Good Moms...
DON'T clean up dog poop
DO let their kids play outside instead of watching TV
DON'T do everything for you
DO read stories
DON'T let you go to bed without tucking you in (awww...)
DON'T let us sit in the front seat and drive (LOL)
DON'T leave you at your friend's house
DO work hard at their jobs to make money (that's from Pearl - you go, girl)
DON'T let us eat cookies for breakfast (hey, why not??)

I was very touched by this, but didn't burst into hormonal tears - pretty good, huh?  This is a big week, as 24 weeks is the time at which CA considers our babies "viable."  Both Roman and Kate are over 1 pound each, and well within the normal ranges for twins.  I'll be posting belly shots at 25 weeks, so you can see for yourself.  My snoring and restless sleep seem to be trailing off, so that makes everyone in the house (including Scamper) happy.  We have attended a "Preparing for Twins" class (IS there such a thing?) and feel very realistic about what we are in for - the joys and the headaches.  It's going to be a fun ride!  Aunt Janet visits today for a whole week, and I'm so looking forward to seeing her.  I have a special prayer today for two friends suffering terribly from cancer and pray for their recovery and peace (both are far away).  P.S. Sharks, you are disappointing me in round three so far, but I still have HOPE for the cup.  xoxo  

I have always liked the number 23, so maybe something exciting is coming this week.  Well, every week is exciting when you are carrying twins!  Still feeling good (if not a little sleep deprived), and not nearly as big as I thought I'd be by this stage.  No waddling yet!  Check out photos in week 25, as I'm sure the belly will be prominently featured.  Bring on the long, hot summer...so happy we live in non-humid Northern CA at a time like this.  Had a few spontaneous crying spells last week - and folks, we are talking about silly things like a nostalgic song on the radio, Jin and Sun dying on Lost (spoiler alert if you aren't caught up!), Scamper under the weather for a day, etc.  I must have one sensitive kid and one tough kid in there, because just as soon as the tears start, they stop within about a minute.  Talk about an emotional roller coaster.  Peter thinks I'm nuts - but all of YOU knew that already. Ha!  Looking forward to Janet Kelly's visit in about a week, as Peter is going to Germany with his best friend Mark, and I won't be alone.  Lots of fun girly stuff planned (sorry, Roman).  Other big news - I found a wonderful post-partum doula and night nurse (Martina) to help us out during the first 6-8 weeks after bringing the babies home.  She is just fantastic, and I'm lucky to have found her so early in the interviewing process. Check that off the list!  Now, we just wait...and wait..and wait.  Sharks off to Round 3!  We'll try and see a live game before Peter leaves - Stanley Cup, here we come.  xoxo    

Our father, who art in San Jose. Hockey be thy name. Thy will be done, thy cup be won. On ice, as well as in the stands. Give us this day our hockey sticks, and forgive us our penalties, as we forgive those who cross-check against us. Lead us not into elimination, but deliver us to VICTORY. In the name of the fans, Lord Stanley, and in the name of the Sharks...Amen.  It's so nice to be pregnant during the Stanley Cup finals - forces me to sit down for a few hours most weeknights!  We are building the playroom in our Tahoe house to look like a hockey rink - complete with penalty box for time outs when the kids are misbehaving (never, right?).    On another note, I have found that - as long as I have my pregnancy pillow - I can catch a few hours of sleep anywhere.  It's ridiculous how addicted you get to a silly pillow (if you have seen The Backup Plan" recently, you'll know what I mean). If that pillow were thrown into moving traffic, I would go after it - seriously. We saw the kiddies last Monday - Roman was sleeping and covering his face, but take a look at what he did want to show us in the photo gallery.  Oy vey!  Katya likes to remain in a nice little ball, with her feet up by her head - my little contortionist.  Both are growing and very healthy.  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY this weekend, for all you mamas out there.  I am in awe and have the greatest respect for all of you - and mine aren't even here yet.  Be sure your kids treat you right - you deserve it.  Cheers!