Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Drumroll Please...

Today, Mommy and I went to her new "special" doctor. He is a very special doctor that works with twins like you guys. He is a Perinatologist. He works with mommy's who have high risk pregnancies. Mommy's pregnancy is high-risk because there are two of you. The human body was not made for a woman to carry more than one baby at a time, so it is very dangerous when they do. The doctor has to check on Mommy often to make sure she is safe and that you boys are growing properly. He does all sorts of fancy tests with special equipment to make sure everything is going as it should.

So far, Mommy is doing very well. She is carry you guys well. She has to quit teaching Jazzercise. It is the first of many things that she is willing to give up for you guys. She loves you guys so much that she would do anything for you. She loves Jazzercise but not nearly as much as she loves you boys. I am so grateful for her willingness to do whatever it takes to make sure my boys are healthy.

I worry about her very much. Sometimes, I cannot sleep at night because I am worried about her. I am worried about how she is feeling. I know she is uncomfortable and has trouble sleeping. Sometimes, when she is sleeping, I just watch over her. In those moments, she seems to feel a little better. And, she looks so peaceful and beautiful. I love her very much and will be forever indebted to her for bringing you two boys into this world. She is an amazing woman and tougher than the rest of us. She is wonderful example of strength to me and she will be to you guys as well.

I worry about you boys too. I worry about your health. I worry about providing for you. I worry about being a good father. I worry about all sorts of things. But, I worry because I love you boys and your mom more than you can imagine.

When we met with the Perinatologist, he did another ultrasound. We got to see you guys twice within a week. What special events those were.




My heart pounds everytime that I see my boys. I love you boys so much already. Whenver I see your pictures, tears fill my eyes. I am so happy that the two of you are part of our family. And, whenever your mommy sees the pictures of you boys, she smiles so big. She is so so happy to be your mommy. She is going to be an amazing mommy and that is why Heavenly Father sent her two little boys. She is special and Heavenly Father knew that she would bless you guys with so much love. It takes someone VERY SPECIAL to raise twin boys! Remember that!

Now...back to the drumroll...

Your loving Mommy and Daddy decided to name you boys; Boston Jammer Barrow and Braxton Parker Barrow. Jammer is your daddy's nickname. I have been called Jammer my entire life. I am called Jammer more than Justin. It is a very special name for me. It has a lot of love behind it. It is a very significant name to me and I am so glad that Boston will carry it with him forever. Parker is Mommy's maiden name. Her last name was Parker for 20 years. It is a special name to her and her family. That part of her will live through Braxton. With family being so important, it is so special that you boys carry those names. We also wanted you to each have your own identity, so we named you boys with names we loved outside of any family name. Boston and Braxton are names of strength. Plus, both names starting with "B" and ending in "ton" keep the two of you connected. They will help to remind you of the special bond you share.

As we continue...I need another drumroll...

Today, we also found out that you boys are IDENTICAL TWINS. You two share such a special bond and it will only grow stronger as each day passes.

We love you boys and cannot wait to hold you boys in our arms.

Boston and Braxton...I love you with all my heart.

Love Daddy

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Announcement...

It has been about 24 hours since we found out that we would be blessed with two little boys. What an amazing gift! Yesterday, we announced to everyone that they should expect to spoil two little boys instead of just one. Family and friends were very happy for our little family to grow so much, so quickly. They are all very excited to meet you.

I called my Aunt Sue and my little cousin Morgan to let them know there were two. When I told Aunt Sue that there were two babies in mommy's belly...she thought I was joking. She didn't believe me. When she finally did, she told Morgie that we were having TWINS and she was so excited. I could hear her scream "Meagy's having TWINS! Whew hoo!" It is awesome how excited she was to know you two boys were coming to be part of our family.

While Morgie was very excited about the announcement of twin boys, your cousin Kennedy didn't exactly feel the same. She was very excited when we told her that Mommy was pregnant. She was EVEN more excited when we told her that Mommy was pregnant with twins. But, when I told her that you twins were both boys...she started to cry. She wanted a girl cousin. She has a younger brother, a younger boy cousin, and now there will be two more younger boy cousins. She really wanted a girl cousin, but she will come around to your boys when you get here. She loves babies, so she will be excited as soon as she sees you.

You boys have some awesome cousins! You guys are very lucky!

Yesterday, mommy also made the special announcement to Mema. She gave her some blue flowers and told her that there would be two babies for her to spoil.


And, spoiling is what she has been doing. She is so happy to have her first two grandchildren coming her way. She has been like a kid in a candy store. She is constantly looking at and showing your mommy all sorts of baby items. She has looked at clothes, cribs, strollers, car seats, and much more. She wants the best for you guys. She never stops talking about you guys. She writes about you on Facebook, she texts your mommy constantly, and she is ready to share a lot of love with you boys. You guys are very blessed to have wonderful grandmas.

Family is so important. You only have one! Remember that! Our family is such a special group that is filled with love. Always show your family that you love them. That is so important. No matter how angry or upset you get, remember your family loves you. Do not say things, even in anger, to hurt those you love. Words can be extremely hurtful, and you never want to hurt anyone, especially those who love you and are there for you. You will make mistakes, we all do. I have made plenty. But, remember to be loving and kind. Remember to let your mommy know that you love her. Always treat her with the respect she deserves...which is the utmost.

I love you boys so much and I cannot wait until you get here. We are saving you boys a spot and cannot wait for you guys to fill it.

Love Daddy

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Surprise of a Lifetime...

Amazing! Awesome! Astonishing! Astounding! Crazy! Excellent! Extrordinary! Fabulous! Grand! Incredible! Inconceivable...apparently not! Inspiring! Marvelous! Miraculous! Outstanding! Remarkable! Spectectular! Splendid! Startling...to say the least! Stunning! Stupendous! Superb! Terrific! Terrifying...slightly...also in the least! Whoa! Wow! Wonderful!

And, the greatest blessing imaginable! In the words of Garth Brooks, "Sometimes I thank God for unaswered prayers. Remember when your talking to the Man upstairs that just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care. Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers".

On occassion, you think that you have a plan. You have thought it out thoroughly. You have painstakingly planned it out to a T. You have thought of every little detail and you "think" you are content with that plan. And, in a moment, it all changes. In that moment, you may not know how to handle it. You may be hit with a bit of shock. You may feel overwhlemed. You may panic. Or, you may feel peace in a situation in which you never thought you would. Whatever your reaction, it depends on how you decide to handle the "AFTERMATH". Do you run and hide? Do you pout? Or, do you suck it up and handle your business? The way you handle God's curveballs throughout life determines who you are and what you will become in eternity!

That is some of the best advice I can give you. I haven't always known how to handle the ultimate pitchers best curve...and...no...I am not talking about Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the 9th! God is the master of the curve and he throws it whenever he feels it is necessary to help us grow and develop. At the time, we may not understand it or even know what to do with it. But, he has a plan for us and whatever that plan is...it will make us stronger in the end as long as we do our best.

With that in mind...let me begin with our story!

Today, Mommy and Daddy went to the doctor for Mommy's first ultrasound. An ultrasound is a special machine that helps see inside Mommy's tummy. This machine makes it possible for Mommy and Daddy to see you. We were VERY excited for our first ultrasound. We could hardly contain our excitement. As we sat in the waiting room, our hearts were pounding in anticipation of seeing our little baby. When we went into the ultrasound room, a sense of peace came over me. I am not sure why. I think maybe Jesus was there with me as I was about to see my little baby from God. When the nice lady started the ultrasound, I immediately saw two round circles inside momma's belly. My heart began to beat wildly as the ultrasound technician said, "How many were we expecting?". Mommy half laughed and said "One!".

But, at that moment, we both knew one thing...we were having TWINS! TWINS! TWINS! Yes, I said it three times. It is like Bettlejuice...if you say it three times then it is real. We were having TWINS! Talk about the SUPRISE OF A LIFETIME! And, in that moment, when I thought I would stress or be scared, or lose my mind...the most incredible thing happened to me. An indescrible feeling of love and peace overcame me. I felt as if I were just drawn into the warmest, most comforting, peaceful embrace. In that moment, Jesus pulled me in to let me know that it would be alright. He has a plan for me and it included your momma and the two of you. Just when I feel too inadequate for one, he blesses me with two!

Mommy and Daddy had planned to have one baby! But, Heavenly Father knew that your mommy would be TOO GOOD of a mom to only send her one child of God. So, he sent us TWO VERY SPECIAL BOYS to help make our family complete. And, even when God threw us one of his best curve balls, he was still there to help comfort me, reassure me, and make me feel loved and blessed. After all, he doesn't just let everyone be TWINS. And, he doesn't just let anyone raise TWINS!

God is sending me two boys and I couldn't be happier. Sure, it is going to be hard. I know it is going to be difficult. There will be a lot of sleepless nights followed by broke days, but when I hold you boys and see your mommy smile...it will all be worth it. The four of us were meant to be together, and God was going to stick to that plan even if it meant changing the plans that Mommy and Daddy had. And, we wouldn't have it any other way.

We went in expecting one bundle of joy, and we left knowing that God was blessing us with two special boys!

I believe that the bond you two boys shared in Heaven while living with your Heavenly Father was so incredibly strong that he knew he had to send you to this Earth together. You two will forever have a bond that not many others can understand. You have been blessed by your Father in Heaven as he sent you here with your best friend. What an incredible blessing that is!

Hearts pounded, tears were shed, and smiles were from ear to ear as Mommy and Daddy saw pictures of our two baby boys inside her tummy.

You two boys were already playing with each other. Wrestling for space, kicking each other, and having a good ole time. The picture above shows you both. I know it is not the best picture. It is a picture of a picture until we can scan them. But, it still shows the two of you nestled inside your mommy's tummy growing big and strong.

Mommy and Daddy went and told Grandpa Parker and he smiled happily. He is excited to meet you two. Mommy told Mema and Tutu. They cried with happiness and began buying you whatever they could. At first, they couldn't even believe that there were two of you. Mommy brought some blue flowers to Mema to announce that you were boys and that there were two!

That night, we went to announce to Nana and Papi that we were having a boy. We brought them a cake that said "It's a..." on the top. Nana's job was to cut the cake and inside the color of frosting would tell her if we were having a girl or a boy. As Nana was cutting, Papi joked that maybe it would be mixed for twins (a boy and a girl). Little did he know, part of his joke was true. As they saw the blue frosting, they were so excited. Papi wanted another grandson. He had the biggest smile on his face as he looked at the cake.

I asked Papi if he wanted to see a picture of "you". Of course he did. He went by the lamp to look at the picture of his new grandson or so he thought. He looked at it funny at first. He thougt we might be playing a joke on him. He looked up at Mommy and Daddy and saw the biggest grins on our faces. His eyes filled with tears and he smiled as he handed the picture to Nani. She looked at it just as confused at first. Then, she looked up and asked "Is it TWINS?!!" You mommy smiled so big and said, "It is TWO boys!" She was so excited to announce that you two were coming. Nani and Papi were so happy. They were so proud to hear that their fourth and fifth grandchildren were on their way. Again, the surprise of a lifetime.

Mommy and Daddy didn't know when they hung the "Children Playing" sign on the wall in the nursury just how true that sign would be.

I cannot wait for that room to be filled with laughter. Your Mommy has to deal with three children now. She is a lucky lady! And, we are lucky to have her.

I called to let Grandpa and Grandma know that there were two of you that were going to be joining the family and they have never sounded so happy. I told your Aunt Riss and she said "I knew it". She had a feeling that something special was going to happen with this pregnancy and she was right. Your Aunt Ashlee was super stoked too. But, when I told your cousin Raiden he didn't quite feel the same.

He wasn't impressed when I told him that I planned to name you two Sub-Zero and Scorpion. I am not sure why he wasn't a fan. But, he will be excited to battle with you two when you boys get here.

We also announced to everyone on Facebook that you guys were coming and everyone is so excited. Everyone was loving your Mommy's annoucement!

You guys aren't even here yet and you are already the most popular guys on Facebook. Step aside Blue Ivey...the Barrow Boys are on their way!

We feel so blessed to have two children of God coming to us at once. We love you two so much already. And, in no time, we will be holding you in our arms. I love you guys so much.

Love Daddy

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

See You in the Morning...

Dear Baby Barrow,

The time has come. In less than 10 hours, mommy and I will get to see you for the VERY first time. I cannot even believe that this day has come. I am so excited that I can hardly sleep. For me, this is like the night before Christmas when I was a child or the night before a trip to Disneyland when I was little. The excitement keeps me up, and I love it. My heart pounds as I think about seeing your little body as I hold your mommy's hand. I love her very much. She is very special to me and she is so excited for tomorrow. I bet she cries a lot...what do you think? Say "Yes", because I KNOW that is the right answer.

See you in the morning!

Oh, I am not finished. I just always wanted to say that to you. I need the practice, because in the future, I will be saying that to you a lot. I cannot wait to rock you to sleep, tuck you into bed, read you bedtime stories, kiss you goodnight, and check your closet for monsters. Your old man used to be a honorary "Ghostbuster", so I will clear your room of everything. I am a professional after all...just ask Nana.

This week, your mommy has been working more on your room and it is really starting to look good. You are in for an awesome surprise. You are going to have the coolest room out of all the infants at the hospital. You can brag to them when you get here. Be nice though! Bragging is not cool. Oh geez, your dad is already giving you bad advice. Scratch that...just be grateful you have an awesome man who is making you a super cool room. No bragging needed...unless it is to your mom about how cool your new digs are. And, it is quite the pad. I am jealous. It is cooler than your dad's Man Cave in the garage.

Your mommy just added a new sign to your room. It is a sweet sign that your daddy was able to get from some friends. It says "Caution Children Playing". I told your mommy, that works, because your daddy sometimes acts like a child. So, when you and me play...it will be like children playing.

She has so many other cool ideas that we are working on for your room. I cannot wait to enjoy the room with you. Oh, I almost forgot, we bought a glider for your room this weekend too. It will be delivered here soon. It is a chair for mommy or daddy to rock you to sleep in. You are going to love it.

I love you very much. I cannot wait to see you.

See you in the morning!

Love Daddy

Monday, January 23, 2012

17 Weeks...

Dear Baby Barrow,

17 weeks have passed since you started growing inside your mommy's tummy. Each day, you grow a little bigger, a little stronger, and probably a little more stubborn (like your momma or maybe your daddy...but probably like your mommy). At this time, you are about 5.1 inches long and weigh about 5.9 ounces. You are about the length of an onion. And, just like an onion, you make me tear up a little bit when I think of you.

At this point, you can swallow, suck, blink, and may even have the hiccups from time to time. You are growing so quickly and before we know it, you will be here. We cannot wait to hold you in our arms.

In less than 2 days, we will see you for the first time. What an exciting moment that will be. Your mommy can hardly contain her excitement. She is bouncing around the house like a crazy woman...at least, more than she usually does.

I love you very much. I am counting down the days until you are hear and I cannot wait for all the fun we are going to have together.

I love you!

Love Daddy

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Fairy Godmother...

Dear Baby Barrow,

Your Nana, the Fairy Godmother, sent us a picture of the picture that we got for her from Disneyland to announce that you would be coming. It is one-of-a-kind and very special to your Nana. One day, she will sit down with and explain how special it is. It says "Congratulations Nana 2012". You are arriving in 2012, so that is why we put that year on their instead of 2011 when it was created.

Your Nana talks about you often and is eager for your arrival.

I love you!

Love Daddy

Monday, January 16, 2012

16 Weeks...

Dear Baby Barrow,

It is amazing to think that you have been growing inside of your mommy's tummy for 16 weeks now. It seems like she just told me yesterday that you would be coming. And, now we are 117 days into your life inside your mommy. At this point, you are 4.6 inches in length, which is about the size of an avocado. You weigh about 3.5 ounces.

In the picture above, your mommy is holding an avocado that is the size that you are now. It is amazing to think that you are that small. When you read this later, it will be amazing to look back and see how small you were at one point.

Your mommy's tummy is starting to grow a little bit and as you get bigger, it will continue to grow. She looks more beautiful than ever.

Now, that you have been growing for 16 weeks, your legs and arms are growing and they are becoming more controlled when they move. In the next couple weeks, you will double in weight (kind of like your daddy does during the holidays). You will start growing fast. As the days go by, you will get bigger and bigger. And, in nine days, we get to see your first glamour shot!

Mommy has been working hard on your new room. She painted a big cartoon bumble bee that flew in through you window. She has been working so hard on your room. She loves you very much and wants it to be special for you.

He flew in your window for a special visit!

And, he will be patiently awaiting your arrival.

16 weeks and counting. In about 24 weeks, we will be able to hold you in our arms and we cannot wait. I love you and I cannot wait to see you and hold you. I think about you all the time and your mommy and you are the best thing that ever happened to me.

I love you!

Love Daddy

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Ten Days and Counting...

Dear Baby Barrow,

In just ten days, your mommy and I get to see you for the first time, and we cannot wait. We have been waiting for this day for a long time. When we first heard your heartbeat, we cried tears of joy together. I cannot even imagine how happy we will feel when we see you, in your mommy's tummy, for the first time. It is like counting down the days to Christmas. Too much excitement!

We cannot wait to be part of your first photo shoot. It is going to be an amazing experience.

I love you!

Love Daddy