Yes, we survived our first official vacation, to Punta Del Burro, Mexico from June 1st-8th. See very humorous photos to the right.  The kids were just wonderful, and they enjoyed the private pool, beach, interesting people, sound of the ocean, etc.  We didn't even need the "sleep sheep" for Roman, because we had the REAL ocean outside of our window every day.  Heavenly!  Thank you to Ron LaVigna for the generous donation of his beautiful home and all those helpers, including daily maid service, French-trained chef and driver.  We couldn't have had a better, more relaxing time. And...Auntie Jeannie is my new BFF, as she was not only a super helper, but fun to shop with and a fellow Gemini (we both celebrated our birthdays in Mexico this year).  Fun, fun!  Salyulita is such a great beach town, I think we may just need to retire there someday.  Unfortunately, we did get a little Montezuma's revenge three days after returning home, but it was going around here too, so I think we likely caught it on the plane or at the airport.  Everyone recovered quickly, but it was a B**CH!  Thank goodness kids recover quickly from illness.  Update - Katya can now climb 20 stairs in a matter of minutes (see Facebook post from Father's Day - complete with Rocky soundtrack) and Mr. Roman is crawling up a storm, singing, and standing like a big man, despite that large head of his.  He still wakes up once a night, but finds his bottle in the dark and soothes himself - good boy!  They will be 11 months old next week, and then we start preparing for 1st birthday party on July 30th.  I can't believe I was one month away from the birth of these angels last year, and I didn't even know it.  I am so blessed to have friends like you to help me through those more challenging moments in life, and now we celebrate the rewards together too.  Father's Day was lovely, and Peter is the greatest dad in the world - he loves them so much and keeps things fun around here when I'm too serious (I will be the disciplinarian, I guarantee you)!  Off to our first Giants game tomorrow (vs. Indians, so will dress each kid in a different uniform).  Go Tribe (oooops - did I say that aloud)?!  Summer is here, and life is good. Will write a little more, now that I'm getting some sleep.  Love to all, and have a fabulous summer.  xoxo

Hello, everyone.  Well, the twins are now 8 months, 2 weeks old and they are thriving!  I haven't written for awhile, as work/Rotary and mommyhood take up 100% of my time, but all is well here in the Redko household.  It's true what they say - you can't imagine your life without your kids when they finally arrive.  We have had a few playdates already, and Katya is definitely our social one, while Roman likes to hang back and "get the lay of the land" first.  He's such a sensitive little boy, which is MUCH better than a bully, so mama is happy.  They both generally sleep through the night, but Roman still has his occasional 4:30 AM tummy rumble.  Peter is wonderful, as he generally hears him before I do, and is in there like a flash to give him a quick bottle.  GREAT dad!  We are looking forward to our first vacation in June (to Mexico - private home), and Zuzana has been loads of help as our first Au Pair.  We are currently interviewing for our next Au Pair, and we have a favorite already!  Hope it works out for ALL of us.  Grandparents will also come for a visit this summer, for both the first birthday on July 30th and for a few weeks in August.  in the meantime, we will continue to watch Katya crawling (and soon walking) and Roman playing a little catch up as he does things in his own way and on his own timetable.  He will definitely be our music man, as he loves to play the toy piano (and - on daddy's lap - the real one).  And...he still "sings" every morning when we go to get him up.  So funny - future operaman? I will post nine month photos in about 30 days, and will also link you to some You Tube videos shortly.  Thank you for continuing to be a part of our lives and taking such an interest in Katya and Roman. They have so many Aunties, Uncles and cousins to enjoy in the years to come.  Stay in touch via Facebook too - many photos there.  xoxoxo

Wow, six months have flown by (except some of those late nights - ugh), and we are are all doing GREAT!  Check out the beautiful photos of R&K in the gallery, care of our amazing photographer Muggs Ballard.  The kids are blossoming, and mommy and daddy are finally getting into the routine, with lots of help from our Au Pair Zuzana, friends and family.  How lucky are we?  Roman is our "sensitive man" - likes to be held and LOVES to sing.  This - for a baby - entails taking a deep breath and then "screaming" out his note of choice. Very talented.  LOL  Katya is the mover and shaker, trying to crawl and pull herself up, and not very content in her chair anymore.  Roman gets his exercise by rocking himself in the chair, by lifting his legs in tandem and banging them down.  Pretty smart - if no one will rock me, I'll rock myself! They are in the 40th % for growth on the regular growth chart, and haven't even had as much as a sniffle in close to seven months.  Going for daily walks - unless it's pouring rain (or this week - hailing!) - is the key.  Also, we laugh everyday, which is the best medicine for what ails you, I think.  How can you not laugh with a daddy like Peter - his goofiness is infectious around here!  We have planned our first vacation (Mexico, later this year) which should be interesting with two little ones, but we will stay in a private home near PV and have lots of help.  Can't wait!  I think Katya will be our swimmer, as she really enjoys kicking her left leg constantly, as if in a pool.  Speaking of water, we are enjoying our new hot tub immensely, and I'm glad that Santa was so good to me - many sore muscles these days, from both workouts and handling increasingly growing babies.  I'll write more soon - life is good, and I'm sending positive thoughts to all of you out there for a warm and pleasant spring.  Next photos will feature Scamper the rabbit - for Easter!!  Love, K

Wow, it's 2011 and life has changed quite a bit around here!  Thanks to my awesome parents, we were able to go up alone to Tahoe for two nights, where we went to a New Year's party at Mont Bleu, skied, went snowshoeing, to the spa and a movie (Black Swan).  A VERY well deserved weekend, but of course we missed the kids almost immediately! They are growing so fast - I can hardly believe it!  Six month photos will be at the end of the this month with our dear friend Muggs and Art Director, Auntie Shari, and the theme will be (surprise, surprise) Dr. Seuss.  Will let you know when they are posted.  Zuzana is doing a great job with Katya and Roman while I work during the day, and it's nice to know I can go out and "visit" every few hours.  I love being able to have a career, be a mom and still continue my volunteer work via Rotary. It's a juggling act - and I rely very heavily on Peter and other support - but IT CAN BE DONE!  It's really all about scheduling with twins - they both sleep through the night now, but sometimes that means 6:30AM and sometimes 8AM.  You never know what you are going to get!  Katya was 14.5 pounds last Friday, and Roman was 15.5 pounds - very healthy and happy babies.  No signs of any colds yet either, which is amazing, since everyone else in the house has had a minor one.  I think their daily walks in the fresh air really help, as well as not having to be in day care for now.  Katya's favorite activity is rolling over, and Roman likes his Baby Einstein jumper, even though he needs a little makeshift "step" underneath until he's a little taller. Baby Mozart and Baby Noah DVDs are our lifesavers at night, as it signals that bedtime is approaching.  The music is stuck in my head, but at least it's classical, and not Barney - LOL.  Well, back to work folks - have a wonderful early 2011 and we will post photos soon.  Stay in touch via e-mail and the GuestBook.  2010 was filled with much loss for some of you, so I hope that 2011 is full of only good things, love and prosperity.   Oh yes, and GO RAVENS!   

I know it's unusual for "natural" twins, but I actually know that this is the EXACT day one year ago that Roman and Katya were conceived.  Wow!  So many emotions in just 365 days...joy, frustration, amazement, grief, confidence, worry...and most of all unconditional LOVE.  They will be christened this weekend in San Francisco, at St. Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and both families will be in attendance.  Katya's godmother will be Christina Redko.  Her Godfather is my wonderful brother, Jim.  Roman's Godmother is Auntie Shari, and his Godfather is Peter's best friend Mark.  I am so proud of these babies - they have overcome a lot to be healthy, happy babies - without a trace of "preemieness!"   Roman continues to be the "serious" one and Katya talks...and talks...and talks (just like mommy)!  God help us all.  Back to work now, and really enjoying having that identity again, along with "mom."  I am so thankful to have a job that keeps me interested, year after year, and helps us to live comfortably, when so many people are out of work and hurting in this country.  I don't take it for granted, believe me!  I know of two companies that laid off people suddenly over the last two weeks - seems so heartless over the holidays, but they must be desperate.  The kids like to watch Baby Einstein, listen to classical music (especially Mozart and Christmas music), and play with things that "shake rattle and roll."  Katya's grasping mechanism is very developed, and Roman occassionally decides to impress us with his too (but he's just not that competitive).  Katya wants to be FIRST in everything!   So hilarious that we can see their little personalities developing already.  Will write again soon, friends - HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

Hi, friends.  Can't believe I haven't written for over a month, but a lot of special days have passed. We went to our first Sharks game - and they won!  We had our First Halloween (and three month birthday) - see link in Photo Gallery for all of the great shots by our dear friend Muggs.  This family really knows how to ham it up for the camera!  We also had our FOUR month checkup this week - Roman is 13 pounds, 4 oz. and Katya just about 12 pounds.  Beautifully healthy and starting to really find their voices (and their hands - straight into the mouth).  LOL We spent our first Thanksgiving at Auntie Shari's house - so happy to have a second family here in CA.  Thank you to everyone for the generous invitations to spend that day with you too!  I have been having some anxiety and insomnia in the last two weeks, but getting that under control and looking forward to going back to work next week!  I need some mental stimulation.  Babies are basically sleeping through the night, and Daddy and I have a good schedule going now. Our Au Pair, Zuzana, is doing a fantastic job during the week, keeping them happy, fed and getting them outside almost every day in the fresh air. We are blessed to have such a caring woman in our home.  The babies love her!  Both Roman and Katya smile daily, and Roman enjoys showing us that famous tongue.  He's definitely our "physical"baby and Katya is more cerebral.  She espeically enjoys television.  Very interesting!  So different at times, yet so much alike.  What will they become?  We will all keep watching!  I will write again before Christmas, but I want to wish ALL of you a very Happy Holiday and thank you for your continued prayers for the safety, peace and happiness for our family and for our country and world.  Grandma and Grandpa Goyette (my parents) will finally meet the angels two weeks from today. We are all very excited about that, and will enjoy a fun and exciting December!  Life is good, if not very challenging at times!  XOXOX   

SEE MONTH TWO PHOTOS IN GALLERY!  Hi, everyone.  Well, it's been another exciting month - but tiring.  I'm starting to feel like I did when I lived in NYC, but this is short lived, thank God.  It's nice to have Martina, Shari, mama Redko and other helpers, to keep things in perspective. Katya is definitely a "mini me" - very independent, and loud when she wants to be - LOL.  Roman is a little fussy after eating (due to some acid reflux), but otherwise, super sweet and loves to be held longer than Katya.  He's such a sensitive little man.  Both babies handled their vaccinations like pros, and didn't even cry after the initial stick.  Being a devout Rotarian, I was also in awe of how easy it is for us to get the Polio vaccine here in the United States, while we struggle to get it disseminated globally to eradicate Polio for good.  Very humbling!  We are interviewing nannies for my return to work in early December, but still lots of time to make a decision.  Some wonderful women out there, who dedicate their time to caring for children.  I could NEVER do it - God bless them!  My brain feels like mush after about 4 hours with babies, but of course, I love them to pieces.  I am so lucky to be able to work from home and see my babies throughout the day - technology has changed our world in many ways.  Peter is a GREAT dad - he bathes them with such care and love, and has a hard time leaving them in the morning, since they are super cute and cuddly at this age.  Of course, 10 minutes after he leaves, one or both start crying -Murphy's Law!  I just remind them that "wait your turn" and "share" are going to be their middle names for quite awhile.  I hear babies crying in my sleep, and dream about water a lot, since we have the white noise machine set to ocean waves, and I can faintly hear it when I go to sleep at night.  Very interesting how sound affects our dreams!  In month two, we visited our first winery (Artesa), went to a local Luau, met Grandma Redko, Katya had her first tea party with Mommy and Aunt Patter, we watched our first football game, and are rooting for the SF Giants in the World Series too!  Much love to all of you who are following us...we will keep you updated here and on Facebook.  xoxoxo   

Yesterday was the official "birthday" of Kate and Roman and tomorrow is 9/11, a very solemn and important day to me.  As many of you know, I was in lower Manhattan working at American Express that day and I watched many people lose their lives and become instant heroes.  I will never forget, and I hope you don't either, no matter where you were and how it affected you.  As I look into my children's eyes today, I never want them to experience such hatred and destruction, and all I can do is continue to pray for peace in our world and spread a little good each day through my Rotary activities, and simple random acts of kindness.  Do not let fear rule you...live each day with an abundance of thanks and joy, forgive those who have hurt you - for they are suffering and need your grace.  Work through the pain in your own life and know that you have people who love and care for you, even if they don't always express it in the way you want to hear or see.  If you are reading this, than I am one who cares for you!  God Bless America and the future leaders who will guide us (maybe President Kate or Roman Redko?).   We are united and free...and lucky.   Never forget.

Hi, everyone. We have all been home for a week now, and we are surviving.  Some nights are easier than others, but every minute is a new adventure and there are moments of pure joy that I can not even put into words.  Kate is definitely our "dominant" lady, and has a set of pipes just like her mama (a future American Idol, perhaps?).  Roman is generally a laid back guy, unless he has to wait too long for Miss Thing to stop her attention-getting tactics. Even though they share a crib, they don't seem to "know" each other yet, but that will come in time.  They are both growing rapidly and spend most of their days in peaceful slumber.  Can't wait to play with them once they are bigger and more alert during the daytime.  In the meantime, I nap and get all those little things done that seem to come with parenthood.  Check out the photos in the gallery - two links with all of the month one photos.  Much love, K, P, R & K

Hi, everyone.  Most of you know this, but both Kate and Roman are still in NICU, but making progress every day.  Katya is nippling more than 50% of her feedings, and Roman is not far behind (he's our overachiever).  We call him "Mr. Grabby Hands" because he's always reaching out to touch things with his long arms and fingers (including pulling out his feeding tube periodically)!  Katya loves her long naps and is getting chubby, which is what we want.    They look very different, as you can see from photo to the right - but you can tell they are brother and sister. 

They are both very sweet/quiet and we can't wait to bring them home in the next few weeks. I'm sure the chaos will begin immediately! Roman's clogged tear duct is improving but will still require a minor procedure after release.  More gifts continue to arrive at the Redko house and those drawers are full of clothes, blankets, towels, etc.  Friends, you are so generous, and I can't wait to dress the little munchkins in all of these adorable outfits and take photos. 

Keep up the positive thoughts and I'll continue to post daily photos on Facebook too. They change every day.  xoxo

What a great week with Katya and Roman - they are thriving in the NICU and should be home within the next two weeks, if progress continues.  Check out two links in the gallery for photos, and I'll continue to post pics on Facebook and this website. 

Katya is our little drama queen/diva, just like her Mommy.  If you wake her from a deep sleep, watch out - what a set of pipes.  Roman is so laid back, and despite all of the poking and prodding during the first few days, he doesn't make a peep and just loves to be held.  He's our surfer dude, as Daddy says.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR LOVE, SUPPORT, PRAYERS AND HOPE!  IT MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE...

LOVE,
KRISTINE & PETER

Wow, I can't believe that in a little over 24 hours, I will be the official mama of twins.  Can't wait, and I'm so proud that I officially made it to the important 34 week mark.  Couldn't have done it without Peter and all of you out there - what great cheerleaders and supporters you turned out to be. 

And now...the top 10 things I learned in the hospital (eat your heart out, David Letterman):

10.  Nurses are the salt of the earth.

9. If you are here long enough, you learn about the "secret" menu and can make special meal requests within reason.  Hooray, cheeseburgers!

8. Having a doctor for a husband definitely helps when you need a little extra TLC from hospital staff.  You know me, I didn't abuse it, but good to know.

7. Every day, EVERY hour, there is some version of Law and Order on TV. Scary.  Snooky, The Situation, Mel Gibson, Lindsay Lohan, etc. make bed rest interesting - to say the least.

6. I didn't miss cleaning my house, doing laundry, etc. as much as I thought I would. OK, stop laughing.

5. Flowers and stuffed animals really do brighten your day, especially when from people you love.

4. You learn to count your blessings, when you think about those who in the hospital for major illnesses, and you are going home with two human gifts instead.

3. Private rooms are the way to go, and something as simple as a shower with your favorite bath gel makes your WHOLE day!

2. Contractiions can be controlled by mind over matter, at least for awhile. Exhausting! 

1.  The pregnancy pillow makes the transition quite nicely to a hospital bed, even though there's no place like home.  

I will post Kate/Roman photos on Facebook and the Gallery by tomorrow late afternoon.  Keep the faith and continue the prayers for their development and speedy recovery for mama.  Much love!
 

Well, if you've been following my Facebook page the last week, you know that life has gotten VERY interesting for the twins and myself!  We now live in the L&D ward at Sutter Hospital in Santa Rosa, due to some early labor signs last Friday (which I didn't even feel), but we have made it to the important week 33. Yeah!   The first few days were very hard on mama, as we fought off contractions with Magnesium Sulfate (a good way to torture your worst enemy by the way) and many needle sticks and IVs, but now we are on the road to delivery and recovery.  Thanks to all of your prayers, flowers, good wishes, etc. They got me through some VERY dark hours.  Babies are now over 4.5 pounds each, so completely viable if they arrive today, and will likely live in the NICU for a few weeks.  Bottom line: I have the BEST care at this hospital, and the nurses especially have treated me like a little princess through it all. What compassionate and lovely women they are! Forced bed rest was my biggest nightmare (think Sigourney Weaver in "Working Girl") but I have survived. Now, we just take it day by day and schedule the C-section when it's best for both babies and me.  A delicate balance, but I trust the decisions of my doctor. Daddy is doing well too - bringing me all my "stuff" from home, ice cream, and watching movies with me at night to keep me from going too crazy.  Auntie Shari will be back from Lake Tahoe tomorrow, and we would like for her to be there in the OR, so another potential milestone for which to shoot.  But, Mother Nature will be the final arbiter here...can't stop her!  Contractions are getting stronger, but very manageable. And...most importantly...babies heartbeats are strong and they are moving around (very happy that mama is finally taking it easy, I'm sure).  Both Leos for sure - hurray!  Two other sets of healthy twins already born this week, so good luck there too. I am blessed.  Kate and Roman can't wait to meet all of you - likely before we blog again next Thursday (then, we need to start at Week 1 again).  Will keep you all posted via e-mail, Facebook and babyredko.com.   Keep the faith...

Hi, friends.  Well, no wonder I'm so freaking tired - Roman is 4 pounds and Katya is 4.1 pounds as of yesterday. Wow!  Growing nicely - and just want to get them to at least 5 pounds each, and I'll be happy.  4-5 weeks to go...time for a little R&R before the insanity begins.  The doctor said that at this stage, the babies are completely viable and could both "go to Harvard." A good omen! THANK YOU to all of you who were at the baby shower last weekend (in spirit too) - these babies have enough clothes and toys to last until they are at least 2 years old.  Who KNEW how many creative things you can do with Dr. Seuss.  I picked a good theme!  Scamper the rabbit is still not sure about all the new furniture and primary colors in "his" room, but he's settling down and knows something big is coming.  Check out the link to baby shower photos in the Gallery (at the top of page).  A special, beautiful day!  Starting the fetal heart monitoring tomorrow - weekly - to make sure that babies are not under any stress and that heartbeats are steady.  I can't believe that Kate is sideways again, and loves to have her feet in her face. I'm definitely swaddling both babies, as they are really packed in there and will LOVE it.  I'm leaning toward C-section, since both babies aren't head down.  Might as well play it safe, even if recovery time is a little longer.  That's o.k. - I'm ready for it - and have LOTS of help from neighbors and friends.  It was hard saying good bye to my mom on Monday - hope they decide to move here someday, as Kate and Roman will learn so much about love, faith and life from my parents.  On maternity leave starting on August 2nd, and I must admit - I can't wait.  Getting a little uncomfortable, but feeling very lucky to be able to go walking, swimming, etc. even after restless nights of kick-boxing matches (Kate won - hands down - last night at 2AM).  Stay in touch, and don't worry - I'll be blogging from the hospital too. 

Another major milestone this weekend - Baby Shower!  I never thought we would get to the 30's weeks, especially after last summer, but here we are - all 3 of us.  I know the shower is going to be memorable and beautiful, since I have so many wonderful, creative girlfriends and family. Plus, Dr. Seuss cupcakes - you can't beat that.  My mom flies in tonight, and boy is she going be be blown away by the big "barrel" (Peter's latest term for the baby bump) attached to her little daughter!  Sleeping is still difficult, but at least I can breathe lying down, and I don't have to sleep in a chair all night (I have heard this is common in third trimester).  The weather has been pleasant, and I would be going CRAZY if I lived on the East Coast right now with that humidity (sorry, East Coasters)!   I had my last major client appointment in the East Bay yesterday, as driving too far from home is a bit uncomfortable by myself, and we don't want to have these babies anywhere outside of Sonoma County.  Right???  Plenty of work to be done from home (including Rotary) until maternity leave on July 30th, but not stressing about it.  If the doctor says "bed rest" at this Friday's appointment, I'm ready.  Only the baby shower and packing the hospital bag left to do...so glad I did the room a month ago, when I could still see my toes and bend without discomfort.  My latest manicure features a flower on my right ring finger for Kate and a blue baby rattle on my left ring finger for Roman (my manicurists idea for the shower).  Very cute!  Look for baby shower photos in the gallery after the weekend - thank you to Shelby Lorenz, budding photographer, as I know she'll do a great job and get my good side (hard to miss these days)!  P.S.  Send ideas (via e-mail) for books and movies to keep me occupied in August.  I'm especially into thrillers these days (ala Shutter Island).  No sappy baby books either!  LOL 

I can't believe the day is here, my first as President of the Rotary Club of Rancho Cotati.  I am so honored to be a part of this organization, and in particular, this Club - which has shown me friendship and support over the last three years!  Some of my closest friends are in Rotary, and I never would have met them otherwise.  I hope I do the role justice, especially with twins on the way.  Speaking of which, my little girl is growing, growing, growing!  Not her fault, but Kate keeps me up all night with her struggle to find room - she's actually all the way on my right side, which is an odd feeling when she stretches. It's NOT a tumor (insert Ah-nold voice here)!  I'll be curious to know their sizes at the next 3-D ultrasound on July 14th.  One week until Mom arrives and we have the long-awaited Dr. Seuss baby shower.  I can't wait!  Kate and Roman are very lucky to have so many friends to celebrate their arrival in about 7-8 weeks. Then, the REAL fun begins!  Check out new photos in the gallery - a little grainy, because I had to copy them from Facebook, but they will be updated with clearer images when I get the originals on disk.  Muggs is recovering from surgery, and she was sweet to come over here on Sunday to take some shots before going to the hospital.  Even Peter - the birthday daddy today - posed for a few photos (reluctantly).   Recorded myself singing "The Climb" for the babies (with piano by Jan Emerson), so they'll have their own personal version for later.  That's our anthem!  Cheers, everyone.  Happy Fourth of July!

Yes, they have stumped the doctors again, BOTH moving from transverse to head down since last week.  No wonder I feel all that wriggling around at 5AM!  This is a good sign, as I may still be able to have a natural birth, but I'm prepared for a C-Section, aliens coming down and zapping me with a laser gun, whatever.  Just want them here, happy and healthy.  It looks like I'll deliver between 36-37 weeks - right around the corner, friends.  WAIT...what?  I'm not ready...LOL.  I'm starting my Rotary Presidency next week, and still working  at DJ through July if all continues to go well.  Then, a few weeks of bed rest, reading, movies, etc.  Thanks for everyone who has sent suggested reading and film lists. My Netflix is stocked!  Even went to a 4.5 hour opera last weekend with my hubby - Brunhilde scared Roman into kicking me hard!   So happy that I worked on the room a month ago, when I still had full range of motion.  Just signed up for a  second gym with a pool, so water classes are imminent. I just don't want to put on that blasted maternity swimsuit.  Oh well, back to bikinis NEXT summer! Enjoying watching the World Cup - GO USA and Brazil (for you, Maite)!  July is going to be an interesting month, but we are heading towards the finish line.  Just need to Keep Calm and Carry On...  xoxo

See new photos of Kate and Roman in the Gallery!  They are really crammed in there, but still growing nicely (Roman at 2.7 lbs. and Kate at 2.6 lbs.).  21lb. gain for mama, but ALL in the tummy -  just like my mom did with my brother.  I'm still not "waddling" according to Shari, but I'm only days away - I feel it.  I think Kate has the most beautiful face, and we are calling Roman "blockhead" (in jest) as his head looked quite square yesterday (due to the angle of the ultrasound wand).   Week 28 is a big milestone, as percentages of things going wrong significantly decrease today, according to my doctor. We made it!  I have only had about 5 really uncomfortable days during the entire pregnancy, which is wonderful.  I do need to "get horizontal" a little more in the afternoon (wish it was at fun as it sounds), but still no official permanent bed-rest, and I am grateful. I would still like to work, be Rotary President, etc. for the entire month of July, as planned.  I'm looking forward to my mom's visit and my baby shower in a few weeks, and hoping that we have very few blistering hot days this summer.  So far, so good.  Both babies are transverse (sideways), so a C-Section is looking more and more likely, so I'm skipping all those labor and breathing classes. Too many other things to learn about twins before they get here!   I have a pile of books as tall as me, waiting to be read.  August is movie and book month (preferably in bed or a lounge chair)! 

Even Suzy Sunshine has a bad week! Expectations were high starting on Monday (my birthday), but things slowly unraveled as a bully client at work, rapidly growing babies, allergies, WDHS (Workaholic, Disengaged Husband Syndrome), etc. set in.  I also learned that I cannot take my vacation to Yosemite in two weeks, because I'm technically in my third trimester with twins and shouldn't be going anywhere above sea level. BUMMER!  Several hormonal crying bursts this week, probably more than I have had in the last 26 weeks, plus the other pregnancy, put together.  Thank goodness for Shari, Linda, and all you other friends who attempted to snap me out of it with a shoulder and kind birthday wishes.  Enough already....  Here's all the good news! Babies are doing GREAT - Roman is still lying sideways taking up all kinds of room while poor Kate head down (right next to his) struggles to find her place, my little Princess.  Her foot is now wedged under my rib cage, which explains all that birthday pain, which I thought was indigestion.  LOL  We will get 28 week 3-Ds next week, which I'm sure will blow our minds.  They are always reminding me they are around, especially when I get sad - God's way of telling me to hang on and remind me what my ultimate mission is this summer. I passed all my third trimester tests, and don't need to modify my diet or anything else.  That's a BIG relief.  Only exercise now is walking, yoga, swimming and light elliptical.  Sorry, spinning class buddies - my belly is hitting the handlebars soon.  LOL!  Other good news - the weather (despite pollen) is cool and breezy, making the days bearable and the nights (fitful as they are sometimes) heavenly.  Baby shower in one month, and I just LOVE my invitations - The Lorax theme.  Thank you, Dr. Seuss (and Shari) for keeping the whimsy in my life.  Onward and upward...look for photos of babies next week, friends! xoxo