The Norris Family

Gray Day at the Beach but FUN!

2008-07-22T18:12:00.001-04:00

We took a short jaunt to Salisbury Beach to see the Tall Ships but it was a wee bit foggy, which makes for fabulous portraits though:)

Enjoy a few pics!

Ainsley

Gabrielle

The girls and their Daddy

Happy Summer 2008

2008-07-11T19:46:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Phew! How did we get to the month of July already?! Here are some photos of MANY that I have posted at my new website. Easy instructions for viewing them all (music too so turn up your speakers)...

1) Go to www.dawnnorris.com
2) click on Clients
3) Type in norris and click submit

Sit back and enjoy the photos and the music. The girls are really growing. Remember, you can click on any image to see it larger.

We've been strawberry picking (and post strawberry picking clean up pics included), tide pool hunting on the 4th of July, and more!

And... If you are wondering why you can't see me I'm the one on the other side of the camera as usual:) I'm available now to work with children (sans pets) after many requests from family, friends, and clients. I'm ready to build my business by adding on working with lil' ones if you are interested let me know. Immediate friends and family sessions are free and include some prints too with your permission to use some shots in my business portfolio:) Call me or email me at dnphotograph@gmail.com

Love and hugs to all!
The Norrises

What we did today!!!

2008-04-18T19:41:00.009-04:00

Today, as we had many visits from Craigslisters and sold lots of old furniture, we spent the day outdoors. It's April, 75 degrees and our house is SOLD! Life is looking good!! Enjoy the ladies!!

Playing Around

2008-03-01T13:15:00.004-05:00

The ladies had a fun active week despite the snow (LOTS of snow). They did some climbing (LOTS of climbing), pizza making, and mischief making (LOTS of mischief). See the evidence...

A few more goodies...

2008-02-22T22:09:00.001-05:00

You can click on the image so that you can see it full size if you wish.

Snow Day a Few Weeks Ago

2008-02-22T22:02:00.001-05:00

A few more...

2008-02-22T21:18:00.003-05:00

Top to bottom:
Ainsley
Ainsley
Gabs and Ainsley
Ainsley
Gabs in front and Ainsley in the back

We've been having a great time with the girls. We really have! What a fun time - they'll be two years old this May:) Time flies.

It's about time!

2008-02-22T20:23:00.004-05:00

Images from top to bottom:
gabs
dad and girls
ainsley
gabs
gabs

Okay okay okay. I have no excuses for not posting a blog in a long time... just mother of twins, hosting Christmas and Thanksgiving, running a business, traveling for work, walking dogs, being a wife, and selling our current home and searching for a new home.

So here are a bunch of new pics - we hope you enjoy!

Outrageous Lil Girl

2007-08-28T21:08:00.001-04:00

This is Ainsley with mommy's hair band and some baby sunglasses (sans Elton John) that we got at the babies shower. Gabs is like - uh - could someone please find my cable-knit sweater. These lil' ladies are night and day:) So GREAT.

Pickin' Peaches

2007-08-28T20:56:00.000-04:00

We had our first peach picking at Smolak Farms last weekend. Great Grammy Joy came along and we had a GREAT time. Ainsley dug right in and did some picking and some eating. Gabby wanted to run around and play in the grass with her daddy. It was just too cool to have the girls out at the farm and enjoying some family time.

Sunshine Day

2007-08-28T20:52:00.001-04:00

Just hanging out in the Radio Flyer - Daddy pulls his little girls around the yard and hang out on their new swingset. The swingset is more of a playset and took almost 72 combined man hours to build/assemble. Thanks to Grandpa Norris, Uncle Chappy, and mommy and daddy we all managed to get it built. Even the dogs are enjoying it! Ainsley is in the red hat and Gabs is in the white hat.

IScream!

2007-08-28T20:29:00.000-04:00

Well not really screaming but ice cream. The girls have their own way of discovering raspberry ice cream. We aren't sure if they enjoyed it more of if we enjoyed watching them enjoy their first ice-cream. Gabby is the one enjoying it with no reservation:) Ainsley is the investigatory one;)

First Day at the Beach - Wells, Maine

2007-07-31T12:15:00.001-04:00

We recently did a day trip to visit Jay and Sarah Rakip and their twins Piper and Cavan. The girls LOVED it despite the cool weather and absence of the sun:)

Lessons Learned

2007-07-31T12:02:00.000-04:00

Ainsley and Gabrielle are 15 months old and we are learning so much from them. It's one of those things I guess that every parent realizes - what can be learned from a child...

So far I've learned...
To be fascinated by a box - you can play in it, sleep in it, use it as a means for transportation, crawl on it, around it, through it. Lesson: never underestimate the simple things - there's more to them then we realize.
The joy of water - it's cleansing, it's relaxing, it's necessary, and it's wet. You must never forget to splash and laugh into life.
To exfoliate - wherever there is sand, use it to scrub away the day from your face.
To get dirty - when faced with life's challenges, get dirty, dig in, work with the dirt, and clean it off - you'll be better for it.
To eat what you want - when you truly love your food, always walk away from the table with a little bit on you - it show's you enjoyed your meal so much you couldn't resist diving right in and enjoying every morsel - even on the go.
To pat the dogs - never forget that no matter how busy you are in a day, pat your dogs, it will cause you to stop for a moment and appreciate unconditional companionship.
To live in the moment - take it in piece by piece because we can all giggle like a little girl over the good stuff.
To enjoy the ride - some days there's nothing like watching the world go by so we can see what is around us instead of zoomin by it without realizing all that life has to offer.

Gabrielle - One Year Old

2007-05-21T21:30:00.002-04:00

Ainsley - One Year Old

2007-05-21T21:30:00.001-04:00

One Year Olds

2007-05-21T21:14:00.000-04:00

A year has come and gone. These lil' ladies are growing and growing and we are enjoying it! Their first birthday party was filled with fun and excitement. Dawn has posted the photos online in a slideshow at her website. Here are the directions:

1) click here or go to www.absolutelycaninephotography.com
2) click on Proofs
3) type in norristwins and click on submit.
ENJOY!

It was a lovely day and we were so happy to see friends and the other new arrivals. Thank you all for being there and for making our first year so great with these babies.

Love and Hugs,
The Norris Family

The Sleep Sense Program

2007-04-27T13:58:00.000-04:00

For those that need it, see the link for the book, it saved our life......http://www.sleepsense.net/

Sleep Sense

2007-04-09T15:56:00.000-04:00

We've been working on a serious sleep program with the babies for the past seven days. You could say that Passover had a whole new meaning for me (Dawn) this year. Each year, I look forward to Passover, Opening Day, and Daylight Savings at Springtime. They give meaning to the phrase "hope springs eternal". I had been "hoping" for the last 11 months to catch more than 4 hours of sleep at a clip. We (parents and babies) had lost hope... We were tired, exhausted, grumpy, and miserable. Not every moment has been bad - even with sleep deprivation the babies are AMAZING. But, there had to be more to life with infants 11 months into it, than this!

I sought sanctity on the Internet - I found it. I did. The program we have been instituting is called Sleep Sense by Dana Obleman and it cost $47 for a pdf that we downloaded. I had a glimmer of hope, printed all 150 pages of it out, put it in my bedroom and it sat, and sat, and sat since the first week of February until last week. I read it and we were ready to try this program that involves letting the baby cry, with a parent in the room (plan A) or leave and check (plan B). I was more comfortable with plan A so in we lept. The first night, both babies slept through the night. Ainsley has slept through the night every night for the last 6 nights (tonight is night 7). It is a gradual program where the parent moves incrementally towards the door then removes themselves from the room. It's been stressful emotionally and mentally, but they take two solid naps a day and are sleeping through the night (Gabs usually needs a diaper change and then she's back to sleep). This is what we needed, personally, as parents. Everyone told us to let them cry it out, but something didn't sit right with me particularly about this approach. And, with twins, it's twice the crying. I needed to know HOW to let them cry it out, I needed a plan, I needed reassurance, I needed a navigator. This book/program is doing it. Google: sleep sense by dana obleman for more information or to purchase it for yourself online. It also comes with a workbook to track things day to day. It makes no promise of this program being easy - its WORK, it requires persistance, consistency, a strong will (stronger than the infant's will), and patience. But it is working for us and I wanted to share it with anyone else who hasn't slept more than 16 hours in a WEEK COMBINED for months due to a non-sleeping infant. The most important thing I learned is that the babies need to learn how to put themselves to sleep. The longer an infant goes without it the worse it is in the long term - resulting in ADHD, learning disabilities, bad health, the list goes on. And simply teaching them how to sooth themselves is a huge step in the right direciton. Oh, and the babies are booth pacifier free - we cut them from it cold turkey when we started the program as one of the recommendations. They haven't missed their "passies" and we haven't missed trying to keep track of them, keep them from Ruby, our dog (who loved to destroy them!), and they have better appetites as well!

As you can see from the photos below they are beautiful in their dresses thanks to their Great Aunt Julia and Second Cousin Holli from California. There are plenty more gorgeous gowns for these girls to try on so more pics will be forthcoming once I can find more time to do a fashion show with them and a photo shoot. But, they were so pleased to be princesses for an hour and I was thrilled to photograph them! Remember, you can make the pics bigger by clicking on the image that you would like to view in larger format.

As for Adam and I we are hanging in there. A date night would be nice once the new program is achieved. We've been on one date, in a restaurant, since the babies arrived. We are hoping to get away for a few nights in August for our 5 year wedding anniversary. Adam is working a new deal right now and is also looking for a new assistant so if anyone knows of someone who wants to work in finance and has solid administrative experience, please email Adam a resume.

I just got back from Sundance two weeks ago and my mom, aunt Trish and uncle Steve kindly watched the babies with Nanny G for the week as Adam and my dad were at Golf School in Florida at the same time. I attended a photographic workshop by National Geographic photographer, Nevada Weir. It was phenomenal and I learned so much. AND, I slept some:) It was refreshing to get away for a little bit and recharge. The group I was with was made up of incredible individuals and I will never forget the experience.

We hope you all have a wonderful start to the spring (and maybe we might even be blessed with some warm weather!).
Hugs and Love,
Dawn, Adam, Gabby, Ainsley, Honeycomb, and Ruby Lou

Gabrielle on Easter Sunday 2007

2007-04-09T15:36:00.000-04:00

Ainsley on Easter Sunday 2007

2007-04-09T15:35:00.000-04:00

Walking, "Talking", and Playing Oh My!

2007-03-18T20:07:00.000-04:00

Now we're on the move. After having the entire house safety patrolled - the babies are proud to have the freedom to explore and we are enjoying being able to get them some much needed exercise to wear them out. But the best part is watching them play!!!

Bathtime

2007-02-16T20:49:00.000-05:00

Ainsley (above in photo)

Gabby (above in photo)

Friday Nightlights...

2007-02-16T20:34:00.000-05:00

When I was in high school, I dated a guy on the football team. Being a "Yankee" I was unfamiliar with the practice of Southern Friday Night Lights. In the South, the world practically stops as the entire town (and surrounding towns for that matter) attend "the Game". Yes, you may have seen the movie "Friday Night Lights" or read the book - that's exactly how it still goes today with Southern high school football... Back then life seemed simple - a hot Southern evening where the breezes blow warm, the field smells freshly mowed, you cozy into your metal stadium seat (yes, my high school team actually did have a real stadium for themselves) and you said hi to the other moms, dads, uncles, younger admiring brothers being groomed to one day be a player as well, friends, uncles, just about everyone. The marching band horns and drums created a rousing and engaging pomp and circumstance atmosphere. And the lights... those lights made everything and everyone come alive. You could see them from a distance like you see a big car dealer lot - urging you towards it like a moth to a flame. I go back to those nights and hear the sounds in my mind, I smell the concessions in the air, and I'm in a different time, a different moment from the present.

My current Friday Nightlights are quieter, softer, and the smells are markedly different: the glow of the butterfly nightlight casts a soft hue across one of my daughters as she falls asleep in my lap. The dog lets out a contented sigh as she lays at my feet. I smell the lavender baby lotion and sweet baby smell of two infants permeates the air. It is a different harmony. One that is miles and years away from that marching band. The tempo is "retardendo" (thanks Little Einsteins;). The two beautiful girls are laid down to sleep and I close the door while leaving just a crack to check in later without disrupting them.

I gaze out the front window and see a few cars rush by and think aobut the other Friday Night Lights of high school football games, dancing at frat parties in college where the disco ball sent prisms of color around the room, and the flicker of movies in a real movie theater, and somehow these new Friday Nightlights trump the traditional ones of the past. I think about the future and realize that my own daughters will soon experience the same Friday Night Lights and my heart flutters. And for now... for now I'm happy to settle in with Friday Nightlights:)

Mother of Twins - Murphy's Laws Part II

2007-01-30T11:25:00.000-05:00

Okay so more learned, more knowledge doesn't necessarily mean more power but some thoughts that I was encouraged to write down by friends and family...

Murphy's Law of Having Twins Part II by Dawn Norris:

1) When one twin gets sick the other will get whatever the first twin has within two days, most likely the two will peak in illness at the same time and it will be on Sunday night at 8 pm so you'll have to go the ER and wait with all other sick children and people as you sit and wonder if you are doing them more harm then good getting them to be "seen" as soon as possible.
2) In lieu of M Law #1 above, after nights of not sleeping due to said illness both babies will fall asleep just before the doctor can see them after you've waited the 5 hours in the ER, continually searching out corners of the waiting room to escape the germs of the other sick people, and the doctor will kindly, but hurriedly come in to the exam room and ask "Can you wake your child up so I can examine her?" And for some reason your urge to have a meltdown has been superceeded by your urge to strangle said ER doctor...
3) When your spouse is travelling all hell WILL break loose (i.e. the babies will have a "rough" night, the dog will need to go to the vet unexpectedly, be sedated, xrayed, and all 65 pounds of her will need to be carried throughout the house for the duration of the spouse's trip) - expect it, manage it, then when spouse returns, head for the spa.
4) Long car rides can be a Godsend - even if it is around the block 50 times - just to finally allow yourself some peace and quiet as the angels sleep soundly. Use sparingly unless you want to build a motor in the nursery to vibrate the room in a manner similar to the motion of your vehicle to put your children to sleep.
5) When feeding your infant food out of jar - they will sneeze just when you have put a spoonful of blended carrots in their mouth. Oh 5(b) you will have just gotten brave enough to start wearing "nice" clothes again when this happens and your shirt/sweater/top will need to be immediately sent to the drycleaner.
6) Despite all the educational toys that you run out and purchase for your children, they will inevitably gravitate towards all household remotes, cell phones, and cordless phones instead. Oh yeah, they will immediately put these germ carriers in their mouths. When attempting to extract these items be prepared for a meltdown and offer a trade-in item to extract said remote/phone from infants' surprisingly strong clutches.
7) The phone, doorbell, and dryer will ring all at once just after you've spent two hours getting your babies down for a nap/the night. They will wake up - let the festivities begin once again!
8) There's a holy grail of how to put your baby to sleep and everyone knows what it is but won't tell you - it is, after all, the thrill of the chase that makes life worth while and other mom's are as sadistic as they come - sharing isn't part of their vocabularly anymore...
9) Dogs love to eat pacifiers - they will search out the last one when you need it most and bring it to you in pieces (in the middle of the night when you can't purchase another one).
10) First aid components, thermometers, and assorteds are always available until you need them (again, at 3 in the morning, after you've searched each and every diaper bag).

When all is said and done - life is tough, raising babies is complex, but we all get through it - so "they" tell me.

Whoa Baby - You've Grown!

2007-01-30T11:21:00.000-05:00

The babies are doing great - keeping us on our toes! Here's some updated pics. Some of these were submitted to the Regis and Kelly Most Beautiful Baby contest - so if you watch the show keep your eyes and ears open:)

Florida Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T20:01:00.000-05:00

That's Ainsley on the left and Gabrielle on the right. We enjoyed our two weeks in Florida but have to admit we are all glad to be home.

Florida Christmas 2006

2007-01-06T11:58:00.000-05:00

The girls spent their first trip to Florida in the pool and loved it! They had a nice lady come to the house and teach them and the 'rents how to do swim in the pool with babies. They event went under water several times and seemed just as amazed as mommy and daddy at their resilence to new experiences. We were in West Palm Beach for two weeks and they had a blast with their grandparents, meeting lots of new people, and having fun. It was a great first Christmas as you can see!

Gabrielle Hanging Out December 2006

2006-12-13T22:05:00.000-05:00

Ainsley Eating Her First Cookie

2006-12-13T22:03:00.002-05:00

Gabrielle December 2006

2006-12-13T22:03:00.001-05:00

Ainsley December 2006

2006-12-13T22:01:00.000-05:00

Naptime...

2006-11-12T17:12:00.000-05:00

Daddy is sneaky with the camera. Mommy and Ainsley rest after a rough day of lots of spit up and cleaning up. With a little rest we all felt a bit better:)

Playtime!

2006-11-12T17:10:00.000-05:00

The girls are having a blast moving and shaking.

Daytime Leopard Costumes

2006-11-03T12:10:00.000-05:00

Gabby Halloween Hot Chili Pepper Girl

2006-11-03T12:09:00.000-05:00

Daddy and His Costumed Girls...

2006-11-03T12:07:00.000-05:00

Mommy and Ainsley the Flower Child:)

2006-11-03T11:58:00.000-05:00

Nanny, Gabbers, and the Beach

2006-10-22T11:30:00.000-04:00

In an effort to get out and enjoy the fresh air - we made a trip to the Plum Island Reservation Beach. It was gorgeous, misty, the babies loved it and even Nanny G was inspired (which doesn't take much;)

Gabrielle October 2006

2006-10-22T11:29:00.000-04:00

Ainsley October 2006

2006-10-22T11:27:00.000-04:00

Pit Stop. Rest Stop. Non-stop!

2006-10-22T11:01:00.000-04:00

The babies are enjoying 5 1/2 months and we, well we just want some sleep. Still. Yep, the fiesty Norris Party Babies are at it again... Apparently the sleeping through the night thing was merely a pit stop en route to the next growth spurt with new foods and more energy to explore and take in the world at-large, there's no time to sleep. Naps are merely momentary rest stops where mom and dad get to literally take their own "potty break" or quick shower, or catch up on emails and blogging. My lovely bed beckons me only to finally get comfortable long enough to wake with the next waking baby. My bed is my rest stop. That's the thing about rest stops - you are only there momentarily. They give you just enough fuel, literally and figuratively, to get you to the next stop on the non-stop journey of parenthood...

Lately it's become an endurance challenge - this infancy of multiples. We work in cycles, we play in cycles, and we sleep in cycles. Sometimes it's opposing cycles. The babies are departing their tandem schedules: Exhibit A - Daddy is away on night two of a business trip (by the way it's nice to hear that your spouse, while doggedly working to continue to provide a roof over our heads has just had the best night sleep he's had in months on the heels of what would be one of the worst nights sleep Mommy has had...) and each baby decides to sleep when the other is awake for short seemingly unecessary feedings to get what appears to be one-on-one quality time with Mommy, in cycles, throughout the night. The verdict: 2.5 cumulative hours of sleep for Mommy with no hope in sight for any additional rest during the day - there are groceries to buy (nothing, NOTHING, to eat in the house), formula to get, diapers need replacing, and I have just enough time to get them because even the nanny is running on fumes at this point - she's been with us until 9 pm every night to try to get the babies set up for bed to try to get them to sleep through the night and because Daddy is away and Mommy still hasn't slept - this would be a VICIOUS cycle.

We've done everything the books say, the nanny says, even the nanny's mom says (after raising 7 children) - you know what - we are running on instinct and also running on empty... Did I mention raising twins is hard?! I find people all of the time now that have twins in their 20s or 30s and my first response is - You survived! And I have hope. The babies nap and I have hope. Now, if I could only get in a shower more than twice a week maybe hope would spring eternal.

By the way, the babies are amazing despite the above. They really are. I just wish I could be more well-rested to actually enjoy the 2 am feedings. The cruel irony of sleep deprivation with babies - you love them but you're too tired to enjoy 'em.

That's all for now - say your prayers for us - pray for rest, hope, and sleep.

20 Weeks and Having a Ball

2006-09-29T07:26:00.000-04:00

The babies are just having so much fun these days! Aside from their shots this week, and two fevers, we all survived the week and realized how much fun it is to be four months old, sleeping through the night for the most part, and just smiling and playing. The girls are both surpassing 12 pounds, and the pediatrician says they look great and may start to crawl early due to their great neck strength.

The photos below were taken this past weekend and week. Remember, to see them bigger just click on the image and it will open up larger in a new browser window.

We are readying ourselves for winter - the wood has been delivered and stacked, new heating systems have been installed in "man town", and the plants have been moved inside. Adam diligently re-organized the garage this past week and it looks like a different garage all together with more storage room and space for stollers, work table, and more. Thanks to Nanny G (Jill of All Trades), Adam got some gudiance for this project and got it done in two days!! A new deal at work starts next week so we will miss him as he has to go back to working full days and traveling a little more often. Adam is in a golf tourney this weekend at the Georgetown Club and one last good golf outing has been well earned after all the hard work he's done around the house.

Dawn's NY project is almost complete. The final pieces from Hills Pet Nutrition for all of the exam rooms are being framed and another trip to NYC may be in store to photograph the final layout in the new facility. Dawn hopes to photograph the facility featuring her work so she can approach other emergency vet facilities locally to replicate her success in New York. The book Ruby was featured in is now available at Borders Book Stores and Walden Books. It's called Pet Tails and she is on page 35. Next on the project list is a 2007 photo calendar Dawn will self-publish compliments of Shutterfly. It should be available by the end of October - just in time for the holidays.

The canine members of the family are also doing great!

We hope everyone is well.

Ainsely in her new bouncer 9/26/06

2006-09-29T07:23:00.000-04:00

Gabrielle - Silly Girl! 09/24/2006

2006-09-27T16:40:00.001-04:00

The Girls 09/24/2006

2006-09-27T16:34:00.000-04:00

One. Two. Punt!

2006-09-10T11:39:00.000-04:00

Many many changes in our little ones over the past several weeks... They are more alert than ever - often playing for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Fewer naps but sleeping longer at night. With the onset of football season we are sad to see daddy head off to cheer on the Pats in person while we watch at home. That's okay because mommy has finally learned the true definition of "Punt!".

Webster's defines the verb punt at follows:
"Main Entry: 4punt
Function: verb
Etymology: origin unknown
transitive verb : to kick (as a football or soccer ball) with the top of the foot before the ball which is dropped from the hands hits the ground."
This mommy's definition of punt is to hold, rock, and roll with it in virtually any situation. Often times this means to laugh at the "baby symphony" of both twins crying for holding, feeding, changing, needing at the same time and say, out loud, let's tackle this with the likes of the clutch playing of the masters such as Tom Brady and Troy Brown. In a moment the crucial evaluation must be made - who needs what first and most quickly?! So mommy punts and all is sound. That means playing with one baby with your foot while the other get's a bottle - all is calm and nothing is lost:)

Over the past weeks we have successfully taken full car rides without screaming and crying - all is quite, all is calm.
We have managed to get the babies to sleep in their cribs during nap time and during night time - all is quite, all is calm.
There is much voice playing by both babies, particularly Gabrielle, they are doing their ooing and cooing - all is calm, all is bright!
Their new favorite stories are by Dr. Suess - very fun. I have ordered all the Dr. Suess books so we have plenty to entertain with and they love to smile at our silly sayings from these great books - all is calm, all is bright:)

Adam successfully completed a recent deal at work despite his "distraction" of new babies and being sleep deprived. He continues to bring home the bacon and take shorter days to be home and get projects done while Nanny "G" (Gayle) and I take care of babies. This is the form of the daddy punt - get coverage before a twin mutiny occurs to keep the house standing and functional while Nanny G and Dawn cover the offense:)

I managed to close the biggest deal of my photographic career. I was approached by an interior decorator from Tampa, Florida who has a veterinary client. I was contacted by her the day after I considered shutting down ACP to be a full time stay-at-home mom for the next year while working on landscape photography and attending some local photographic workshops. I was interested in helping her out and at the time didn't realize the scale of this vet client. Turns out they are the New York Veterinary Specialists, a second location from the Florida Veterinary Specialists. They are opening a 20,000 squre foot specialty referral facility in downtown New York City across from the Alvin Alley Dance Academy. They asked me to be the exclusive photographer for the facility and purchased 24 very large (20x30 and 24x36) canvas prints to display throughout the entire facility. The install is this upcoming week on Thursday and I'm driving the pieces down with Adam to get them set. In addition to that, Hills Pet Nutrition has purchased 9 images for use on an internal branding campaign at the same facility to display in each of the 12 exam rooms. This entire deal was negotiated while donning a baby bjorn and putting a baby to sleep - a sight that kept nanny G giggling quietly;) In addition to the NYCVS deal, I sold a print after having two prints selected for the Newburyport Art Association juried Annual Photography Show. Another exciting happening! Finally, I've had my first personal canine shoot to start down that road again with limited appointment slots so as not to be distracted from my primary job as Mom. Lastly, another little success, our little Ruby Lou is going to be featured in a new book, due out this month called Pet Tails. It will be published by Wiley and Sons through Borders Book Stores nationally. It can be purchased in any Borders or Pre-Ordered at Borders online. http://www.bordersstores.com. This will be Dawn's first image published in a book - very exciting!

That's all the news and views for now. We hope all is well with each of you and fill us in on how you are! Go Pats!
Hugs,
Adam, Dawn, Ainsley, Gabby, Honeycomb, and Ruby Lou

Gabrielle Rose 09/07/06

2006-09-10T11:35:00.000-04:00

Ainsley Grace 09/07/2006

2006-09-10T11:34:00.000-04:00

Baby Love

2006-08-07T14:34:00.000-04:00

Dawn and Ainsley

Bath Time Smiles

2006-08-07T14:30:00.000-04:00

They love bath time and it's a great way to wind down from the day...

Gabby During Activity Time - Fun Fun!

2006-08-07T14:29:00.000-04:00

The Girls 07/30/06

2006-07-31T21:05:00.000-04:00

Gabrielle Rose 07/30/06

2006-07-31T21:04:00.000-04:00

Ainsley Grace 07/30/06

2006-07-31T21:03:00.000-04:00

It Takes a Village…

2006-07-31T13:06:00.000-04:00

The babies are cruising right along with a few hiccups (literally and figuratively) here and there. But they are growing and seem more happy as each day comes and goes.

We’ve been out and about frequently when the temperatures are conducive and have had a few visits with friends and family. When we are on our little day trips we often encounter people who are just fascinated by twins and the comments abound: “Oh! Are they identical??”; “I’m a twin!”; “I wish I had twins!”; “Twins: Twice the fun!” It’s a blessing and curse to be out and get such attention. Little is known about the nature of twinning and raising twins unless you are a mother of twins or a twin yourself – sorry this is privileged information and experience. And no, it isn’t twice the fun always – it’s quadruple the work as a dear friend of mine stated yesterday (hers are 21 months old and cute as buttons). It takes work, and when I get the pleasure of having just one with me for an errand or two I feel like a veteran mom, in more control, and a lot more relaxed, enough to actually enjoy the outing. With two you are in a constant state of fear that they’ll both cry, fuss, be uncomfortable at the same time and you’ll have to instantly, quickly, and efficiently prioritize the need and meet that need to avert a disaster which is made substantially worse if you are out in public where onlookers (who usually aren’t parents) can critique your every move. It’s hard frankly, I love my babies, but this is HARD WORK and it is FULL TIME. When they say no rest for the weary they mean it.

The best observation a mother of twins (those who are older than ours) stated to us recently is that just when you think you are ready to call in your chips they sleep 7 and a half hours (like Thursday of last week!), or they smile, or we have a fabulous outing where all are happy and content. Dave Barry says there are three states to infancy: before they cry (i.e. try to stop or avert the crying), while they are crying (pray they will stop and you’ll know what to do), when they’ve just stopped crying (and you hope it will last for more than two minutes). Parenthood is a learning on the job, job. And as one of the guys on talk radio stated the other night: “When you’ve failed in a moment of parenthood – it is the Mount Kilamenjaro of Suck”. We take it every hour that it comes hoping that we continue to be the best parents, trying not to panic, and thriving on the smile or little giggles that are more frequent these days and moments. Again, I breathe, we breathe (like that article of great advice stated) and think toward the future when it continues to “get better”, notice I’ve come to terms with the fact that it doesn’t “get easier”.

The most recognized need I have as not only a new mom, but a new mother of twins, is the understanding that it takes a village – this is not a solo gig by any stretch of the imagination – you need your husband, a nanny, your parents, his parents, your friends, his friends, a team of skilled, adept, patient, understanding pediatricians, kind nurses, understanding service people (needed my car serviced and the service guy found out we had twins and they actually picked up and dropped off our car – he has twins himself), and most of all the kindness of strangers who each recognize that it takes a village to raise a child, or children in our circumstance. To those of you who have sent a meal, brought a meal, called to ask if we are okay, or just stopped by to make sure we are still alive – we thank you for realizing that raising newborn twins is tough, hard, exhausting work and your help is beyond our words of thanks.

Milestones these past few weeks:
-First lick of a fresh peach (not eating just a rub across the lips of peach and it was received with a smart and a look that said – okay maybe I like it;)
-First giggles for both girls
-They both know their hands and like to use them to pull mommy’s hair and daddy’s chest hair – they are strong ladies by the way
-Awake and play time has increased to 1-3 hours a day combined of play time. Some days Gabby (the party girl) is awake for 5-7 hours. Ainsley is a great napper and loves play time for quite a while. They’ll both stay awake for a little while during car rides.

Viewing our photos

2006-07-10T22:12:00.000-04:00

If you want to see any of the photos in our blog better - click on the image of your choice and it will open up in a larger format. Enjoy!

Our Love Affair

2006-07-10T21:47:00.000-04:00

It's happened, we've fallen in love. It takes time, like any love affair - it's hard work, it's give and take (yes even with nine week old babies...) We've talked long hours into the night - lullabies, nursery rhymes, gurggles, and giggles and spit-up and hiccups. If it is true that what you give is what you get - no matter the proportions, it's love. Through the many sleep deprived nights and days, the worry, the excitement, the quiet moments - just like any new relationship where love comes alive - we, as new parents, experience all the symptoms - yes, we even can't eat - but only because there's very little time to grab a quick bite before these angels need us to feed them:)

So many people have asked me, as a new mom, how am I doing... I can't always respond - GREAT! Some moments I'm exhausted, some moments I'm elated, some moments I'm just downright perplexed at this new condition called Parenthood. I was awash today in emotions I silently harbored after a long weekend of working parenthood - the nights were long, there was worry about this and that, and I just needed a break. After getting out for a drive, alone, no husband, no babies, no dogs in tow - I became focused but that was only after the guilt washed over me about finally having a little QT with myself and getting the reassurance from Adam that it was okay, things were under control, and I should enjoy myself ("but could you swing by CVS and pick up some more formula for the babies?"). It's a brave new world - with a new compass, a faded road map, and many guides along the way. I returned home to find a smiling bunch and was refreshed and in love. How did I know (other than the obvious?!) I missed them all, for only just a few hours, I rushed back, I couldn't stand to be out alone in this new world without them. I ached to see and feel the babies in my arms and kiss Adam and nuzzle my face in the necks of my canines. Everything was right again, I found my "true North" and I realized I'm in love. The fog is clearing, we get a little more sleep, our confidence is better, and the babies are beautiful. We can see, we can breathe, and we can love.

Ainsley July 3rd 2006

2006-07-03T12:16:00.000-04:00

The Girls July 3rd 2006

2006-07-03T12:06:00.000-04:00

Gabby July 3rd 2006

2006-07-03T12:01:00.000-04:00

You know you're a mom when...

2006-06-27T10:03:00.000-04:00

Six weeks and we are all smiles! Jessica, Dawn's sister, came to visit for a week and saved our lives with helping us get the twins nights and days flipped around. There's nothing like getting nine hours of sleep combined (5 then 4) two nights in a row! I'm convinced she should hire herself out to be a night nanny/child advisor to new moms. I have learned so much in the past weeks about surviving new mom-hood from Jess, myself, and other areas of life. I was in the waiting room yesterday for my 6-week check up and found a great article in a magazine called Zen Mama. It mentioned the impossible ways we try to speed through the days by nursing and emailing at the same time, not paying attention to the little things, and most of all not breathing in the moment. I found that breathing in the moment both figuratively and literally can truly be a cure to getting by as a new mom...

Sunday morning we just had a rough go of it through the night so acknowledging that the babies were up for the next few hours and such I looked to Adam and said, well it's 6 am lets take a short walk, babies, dogs and us. We got the babies to lull themselves to sleep - one in carriage, one in baby bjorn (a true GODSEND - get one today) and decide we might as well all go grocery shopping since we had an empty fridge and empty bellies. And hey, Super Stop and Shop is open at 7 am on Sundays so why not? It was relaxing, no one else was there, we got it all done (two full shopping carts later!) and realized that we now need a bigger car - Chevy Suburban here we come. But we learned that we have to live in the moment, no planning can prepare you for twins or a new baby to boot so going with the flow and breathing in the moment is what we'll do. And, now, we won't starve. Although even having a full fridge doesn't mean you'll get to eat with new babies in the house;)

It's truly amazing how fast the babies are growing. Their weights are now approximately Ainsley 9 lbs, Gabby 8 lbs...

So I've decided that I've not only survived being a new mom but I've been officially initiated. Here's my list of things you know your a mom when:

1) You get spit up on and the warm liquid of partially ingested formula runs down your newly acquired cleavage and you laugh out loud because despite every effort you couldn't find a burp cloth to catch it before it continued its path down your body. PS - keep a burp cloth in every nook and cranny of your house - you'll inevitably need one and won't know where one is - new mom's murphy's law...
2) You go grocery shopping at 7 am on Sunday morning in your pjs (yes, I did this but in true Dawn-style, put on a Ralph Lauren pink cable knit wool sweater so I wouldn't freeze in the freezer section - for the record, this sweater was balled up and shoved under the seat in my Volvo...PS I don't remember taking it with me in the first place and how long it was there)
3) You give your spouse an excited poop report every diaper change.
4) A burp from a feeding baby yields rounds of cheers from nanny, husband, friend, guest, etc.
5) You successfully go more than two days without washing your hair/showering/bathing and truly don't care how you look.
6) You have to tell whoever you are on the phone with that you have to go because your baby is screaming hungry (remember when you were the someone on the other end of the phone line being told this?!)
7) You sing to your baby anything - including the Baby Got Back song just like Jennifer Aniston in friends - to calm them down.
8) Your nights and days get flip flopped just like your babies.
9) You haven't had three squre meals a day in like, when was it???
10) You realize that your life has really changed and you might just finally be up for a this mommy stuff and you will survive it becuase there is nothing in the world like grasping the reality that something so little can fill your heart with unconditional love nor break it with the smallest wimper.

Love and Hugs,
Dawn, Adam, Ainsley, Gabby, Honeycomb, and Ruby

2006-06-15T20:49:00.000-04:00

We've been hanging out this week and managing serious spit up and major poopies - ah yes, we are officially baby talkers - no shame, no gain;)

Dawn is finally attacking her gallery with the help of the babies keeping her company. We even found time to make prepared choc. chip cookies:) Ainsley's first baking lesson in her new pouch (she LOVES being attached to mom - so much so that she's asleep during "cooking class".)

We've had another weight check this week and Ainsley is 7 lbs 6.5 oz and Gabby is 5 lbs 14 oz. Growing like weeds! That's Gabby holding her own bottle for the very first time for a whole 25 seconds - amazing!

Enjoy the photos compliments of Nanny G (Nanny Gayle) who was determined to get me on the other side of the camera for a change.

Jess, Dawn's sister arrives on Saturday and we are SO excited to see her for the week and have her help with babies. It'll be nice for Dawn and her to finallly get out and be sisters for the first time in over a decade!

Hugs to all,
Adam, Dawn, Gabby, Ainsley, Honeycomb and Ruby Lou

Settling In...

2006-06-09T08:53:00.000-04:00

The babies were a month old yesterday and we are finally feeling a sense of confidence and settling into the new life with these two beauties. They do keep us on our toes and we love it. It has certainly been an adventure and one in which Adam and I are learning more about ourselves as individuals and as parents and as a couple. Babies do change everything like the Johnson and Johnson ad campaign says. Some moments are scary, some moments are wonderful, and being a new parent is like being in a new relationship - trust and love build over time. In the beginning days I was terrified and didn't want to admit it - was what Adam and I were feeling normal for new parents? Thanks to our close friends we confirmed that yes, being terrified is normal and it can distract you from basking in the little ones wonderment. Finally we are at a point where we are enjoying the moments and realizing that everyone was right: they do grow so fast so live in the moment. Adam and I were talking last night as the babies slept about how quickly the time has flown. I joked that it's probably that way because we've been sleeping in shifts of 3-4 hours now every day for month - that creates a whole new perspective on time. Adam suggested that it's just so much to take in and that while it has gone by so fast it also seems like longer than a month... In the end we both agreed that we look forward to the moments to come and their "firsts".

As you can see from the pics, Ainsley and Gabrielle are becoming more alert, sleeping less during the day, and they gaze at everything with those big jewel like beautiful blue eyes. They are starting to grab at little rattles and observe the world around them. I keep the camera on standby all day.

The photos above were taken yesterday 6/8/2006 and as you can see the girls are alert and expressive even when they sleep... That is Gabby pondering life as she dozes with the finger to her lips. And Ainsley is the one with the hand to her ear as if to say "Hark! Who goes there?" We spend our days with Nanny G (Gayle the Nanny) and listen to music and just be. Just being isn't a concept Mommy Dawn is used to but she's beginning to realize that being a mom is enough right now as opposed to racing to get an errand done, organize the business operations of ACP, and anything else. It's nice to know that the best thing I can do all day is be with the babies and mother them. A concept I've come to embrace in the last 48 hours. Again, because I can finally relax a little about my new life purpose and "go with the flow".

I was talking with a friend yesterday on the phone and we discussed all the things I wish "they" told me about having a baby the first month. She suggested I write a book to give to new moms. Well, maybe in time but here's what I learned and wanted to share with you all - new moms to be and others...

1) Babies will get bad gas and they won't die from it. The best thing you can do is take a long deep breath, relax yourself, and get on the gas ride. Literally, hold your baby, let them cry, walk with them, try to help them pass the gas, and reassure them the entire time. It will pass - just like they say. And, keep the infant Mylicon on standby - it doesn't cure it but it does help a little.
2) The one month mark marks the point where things start to get better. Breathe again.
3) Breastfeeding is optimal but your infants won't be harmed by formula - make your own decision. I do a little of both and the support of my husband, nanny, and doctors has made it so I can mentally, emotionally, and physically endure the duration until I decide when it is time to discontinue or wean the babies from breastfeeding. This in and of itself is priceless advice.
4) Talk to someone when you feel that the edge is approaching - or just cry and let it out - or both. I had expectations of ridiculous proportions after the babies were born about what type of mom I should be - because of what all the books said - I found that using the books as a guide but not the only way to parent has helped and alleviated the pressure of being perfect. Oh yeah, you new dads, do what my husband did and tell your wife what a great woman she is and how impressed you are by her - Adam did this after I just broke down one night and I realized that it took someone telling me that he was so surprised by my strength but that I didn't have to be perfect and put so much pressure on myself - that I could do this important job and that we would do this together. Those few words brought me back from the edge AND gave me a huge boost of realism and confidence.
5) Let your instincts be your guide when all else fails to remedy the situation at hand.
6) Call the pediatrician and ask the questions - you are an advocate for your child/children - screw the fact that it is 10 pm and you are worried about "disturbing" someone - that's their job and they expect late night/early morning calls. You and your child will feel better for it.
7) Hug your spouse and thank them when you can for changing that diaper at 2 in the morning or just because.
8) Breathe again - very deeply then enjoy a nice nap - every day - when the baby sleeps.
9) Ask for help when you need it and be specific as to what you wish for that help to be executed.
10) Tell anyone who holds your baby to clean up BEFORE they touch them and don't let ill people step a foot in your home until the babies are much older - these are two of the most fundamental pieces of advice your pediatrician will give you and crucial to the well being of your infants.

Thanks to everyone for letting us know we've been in your thoughts and for giving us some space and privacy. We are looking forward to nicer weather and to getting the babies out to see you soon.

Love and hugs,
Dawn, Adam, Ainsley, Gabby, Honeycomb and Ruby Lou

Almost a Month Old...

2006-06-04T09:54:00.000-04:00

We can't believe how time flies - particularly when one sleeps in 2-3 hour increments 24/7:) Gabby and Ainsley are already going to be a month old this week and they are doing so well - putting on the pounds and we love the baby fat:)

We are so happy to have them despite gas attacks (hours of screaming) which make us all uncomfortable - babies b/c they have gas, parents b/c there is nothing we can do but try to comfort them until the gas literally passes. We've discovered the power of baby Mylicon and that seems to help.

The family has been out and about since a couple of weeks ago - we've been to the big lake in Wakefield (our first stroller outing) including the dogs; Rockport for the day where the girls received a LOT of attention and at one point we had 12 people surrounding them as Adam beamed with pride and told everyone their story; walks around the neighborhood; downtown Newburyport for one afternoon... We are moving and shaking and it's lovely despite the tough challenges of having two babies. Adam and I thought since we hadn't had any kids previous that we wouldn't know the difference with an extra and now it is clear that twins certainly have a little more work and a lot more joy but it is the toughest job we've ever had. Each day is a new challenge and thanks to support of family, friends, and our new nanny, Gayle, we muddle through and we've made it almost to the one month mark!

Enjoy the photos and love to all,
Adam, Dawn, Ainsley, Gabrielle, Honeycomb, & Ruby Lou

The New Arrivals...

2006-05-15T15:36:00.000-04:00

May 11th was the big day. Dawn went in for a second biophysical and the doctors made the call that the twins were ready to come into the world via C-Section. At 3:41 Ainsley Grace Norris arrived and at 3:42 Gabrielle Rose Norris arrived healthy little girls. Gabby is our resident peanut weighing in at 4 lbs. 5 oz. and big sister Ainsley weighed in at 5 lbs 14 oz. Mom did great and got kudos from the doctors and nurses for doing so well throughout the surgery and recovery.

All are at home as of Sunday - the best Mother's Day for Dawn ever:) We received so many great well wishers and have Dawn's mom back in town to help us manage the babies and keep Dawn and Adam well fed. Dawn is going to be taking it easy over the week and resting and recovering - we encourage calls anytime after this week so babies, mom, and dad can rest and recuperate. Emails will be checked more frequently by Adam for the next two weeks so feel free to contact us that way or through this blog comment section.

Adam has been superdad from the moment the babies arrived and has swaddlig, diaper changing, and baby care down to a science and will be tutoring Dawn on the above once she is more able to handle being up and about. In plain terms, Dawn thinks Adam is a great Hero.

Enjoy the pics!

Our love to all,
Adam, Dawn, Ainsley, Gabrielle, Honeycomb, and Ruby Lou

Homestretch...

2006-05-03T07:26:00.000-04:00

We've officially made it to week 36 and we are in preparation mode. The babies could now arrive at any time and be in the clear. Of course, we're ready when they are. Nights of little sleep already prevail as Dawn is growing increasingly more uncomfortable with back aches, achiness, restless legs, indigestion, and the belly still does continue to grow. Last week the babies were over 5 pounds each and today we have another "weigh in" with an ultrasound and a non-stress test at the hospital.

The bags are packed with everything the new mom, dad, and babies will need, the car seats are loaded in the Volvo (nothing more humbling than taking the Volvo station wagon out for a spin with TWO baby car seats installed!). Look out world, two more very safe yuppies have officially made their initiation complete. But hey, at least we'll all be safe - a soon-to-be family of four.

We are both in ticking time bomb mode and try to relax when we realize the babies are soon to arrive. Adam is spending most days working from home again as Dawn's discomfort level - physical and emotional - is starting to rise. Thanks to a dear family friend, nurse Hallie Greenberg, Adam and Dawn were able to "re-certify" themselves in infant CPR last weekend. Hallie helped ease our concerns and did a FABULOUS job of guiding us through CPR and baby Heimlich with flair and humor:)

We have made a phone call list and email group to notify everyone when the babies arrive. We will also have a blog posting with photos when we return home. Everyone has been so nice to check in with calls lately but we PROMISE that we will do the best we can when the babies arrive to get the word out through phone call chains and email. Bear with us as obviously our attention will be on the babies for the first week and making sure we are settled.

That's all for now. We hope everyone is well and that the weather starts to improve so everyone can enjoy Spring and warmer weather on a more permanent basis:)

Celebrations

2006-04-14T08:31:00.000-04:00

After a wonderful baby shower last week, then Passover dinner here at the house on Wednesday, the weekend is looking great - a time to rest, to relax and to celebrate Dawn's 30th with great news about the babies.

First, Passover was great - Dawn's grandmother, Joy, spent the previous week preparing the meal so there was plenty of help to get dinner on the table and Dawn didn't have to do hardly a thing. With the additional help of Uncle Maury and Aunt Wendy (traveled in from Kuala Lumpur - due north of Singapore) and Uncle Peter and Aunt Peggy who drove all the way up from Sandwich on the Cape things couldn't have been better. Having family and friends fill our home this past week has been "just delightful" as Grammy would say. To top it off we had some of Grammy's Matzo Ball soup and all was well, it even helped Adam's voice which he seemed to have lost from all the hard selling he's been doing at work to get ahead before the babies arrive.

Yesterday we had our regular weekly checkup to learn that the babies are growing at just the right pace and since Dawn will be 34 weeks on Monday, Dr. Kerr, the delivering OB will be able to keep us at AJH for the rest of the pregnancy much to the relief of Dawn and Adam so no worries now about having to head into Boston since the twins are doing so well. We still don't have an exact date of delivery and won't since it's not an exact science. The babies are even in vertex (head down) position, and have been for the past two weeks, for Dawn to try to give a natural delivery a shot which she's warming up to giving a whirl. Twin A weighed in at 4 lbs 7 oz. and Twin B at 4 lbs. all good news, they got top scores on their biophysical for breathing, movement, etc. and they passed another non-stress test with the help of Dawn eating some jelly beans during the NST (she never leaves home without some candy;) - amazing how much sugar can jump start their activity so we say the babies are our little jumping jelly beans. As a reward for good behavior, we all headed out to an old favorite after the testing - Bob Lobster on the "Island" (Plum Island) and got take out fried clams, lobster rolls, and fries while we looked out at the water from the comfort of Adam's car - one of the best "drive-ins" I've been to in a while:)

We got all the gifts put away from the shower and packed the bag for the babies stuff for the hospital, next is Dawn's bag and Adam's daddy bag which we are working on this weekend.

Happy Easter to everyone and Happy Passover as well.

April Showers...

2006-04-11T14:04:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful time at the shower Dawn's mom threw for us this past Sunday. It was so nice to have family and friends over to the house to celebrate this special event and it was great to catch up with everyone. The cake was delicious - as you can see;) After a few days of relaxing with Mom/Grandma-to-be we got some more things organized for the babies and finally we have a photo of the nursery too!

We can't quite believe how generous everyone was and the gifts were just beautiful and useful. Coming down the home stretch this shower made it all seem more and more real that we'll be parents soon. A special thank you to everyone who made it - even if they couldn't stay:) And for those who called to check in and chat even when they couldn't be here. We feel very blessed to have such wonderful and supportive friends and family.

We have a standing weekly appointment now at AJH for three hours of testing - this week on Thursday. Then on Friday, Dawn and Adam will celebrate her 30th birthday in some way we aren't sure how - not many options with restricted activity but maybe we'll have good weather and a picnic on the beach in Newburyport... We'll let you know how the babies are after Thursday and fill you in on their growth and such.

Love to all. Dawn, Adam, Honey, Ruby, Twin A, and Twin B

A Walk in the Woods

2006-04-04T14:37:00.000-04:00

We went for a short (10 minute) walk a couple of weekends ago and Adam took this photo so you could all see how big the belly continues to get (since then it has grown more!). And of course, my trusty sentinel, Honeycomb, you may notice, is by my side. This was after we put the dogs in the car and I left my door open after Adam told me to get out so he could snap a quick pic. Well, Honeycomb doesn't miss a thing and she jumped from the back of the station wagon, to the backseat, to the front seat, and pranced right up to me as if to say "You didn't think I'd miss out on another photo op did you?!" All this as Ruby sat very proud in the back of the wagon observing. Honey may be smarter but sometimes Ruby is the more obedient of the two;)

The baby shower is this weekend - we are looking forward to all the family coming in to celebrate and to seeing our friends for the last time in a while.

As of yesterday Dawn and twins are okay - 32 weeks along. Twin A was 3 lbs. 12 oz. and Twin B is 3 lbs. 2 oz. but catching up as we go. Sleep is beginning to evade Dawn in the evenings so there is a lot of napping going on. Comfort is no longer easily obtained but Dawn stays chipper as the nurses and docs continue to tell her how great she looks for having twins and how tiny she is. Always a nice boost to one's esteem along with good news that they babies are doing fine.

We have been interviewing Pediatricians - what a tough decision. Sometimes I think that it was easier deciding which college to go to. There's also the added angle to find a great doc who is not only accessible but has experience with twins to care for in their practice.

It's all about a day at time right now and easing anxiety as the birthdate nears. Dawn had a "funny feeling" that the babies may just show up on Mother's Day so who knows...

More to come shortly. Hugs to all.

Beautiful Weather!

2006-03-31T13:22:00.000-05:00

Finally, spring is on the way. Today we have the windows open, the sun is shining, and that first day of feeling the sun on one's face is here!! Dawn has been out the past two days enjoying the warmth and sun and reading. She's discovered James Patterson and is flying through about a book a day.

Today Dawn enjoyed the front porch swing and tethered the dogs to the front porch as she read. Such small joys make life feel renewed. Just what the doctor ordered for some prenatal baby blues:)

Adam works from home today and we may even get adventurous and take a spin in the Minicooper to further enjoy the day - top down of course! Dawn looks forward to seeing family soon for Passover Seder when Grammy arrives with brisket in tow and the many other accoutrements that make holiday celebration a true tradition in the Rabinowitz/ Norris household.

The painter finally finished up and we will post photos next week after the cleaning team comes through and finally gets to the spots that have been covered in drop cloths and we have all of the artwork up. We will also post photos of the exterior of the house after Adam spends this weekend doing some "groundskeeping" to repair the wind damamge the exterior suffered this winter.

We hope this post finds you happy, healthy, and hopeful as the spring weather gets us all in a great mood!

Shed a Little Light...

2006-03-27T17:43:00.000-05:00

Today we got to see the babies again on ultrasound and the twins passed their first "non-stress test". While Dawn waited with Adam for the results we experienced our first "tour" of the birthing room in search of lights so we could read while we waited... The only light switch to be found was the "birthing light" which Adam was convinced would be a GREAT reading light while I struggled to convince him that it was like being the lead at a broadway show and that it was really for exam use only, that the window light (aka natural sunlight) was sufficient. Well, I lost that battle only to be redeemed when Dr. Kerr and nurse Elaine came into the room to give us the test results and said - "Wow that's the worst light to have on - we only use that when the babies are actually being born - we're kind of superstitious like that in this part of the hospital..." Regardless, Adam looked at me and I looked at him with a glance that said "I told you so!" as he fessed up that I adamantly requested we find some other light and the Dr. herself showed him all the other lighting options in the room with one final comment: "No one has ever turned on that light before you other than hospital staff!" It was at this point that I also decided that Adam will require some sort of Gorilla Glue to keep him fastened in his seat while I'm delivering our children particularly in a surgical room with a C-Section. He just can't keep his hands to himself;)

We are going to start in on two medical visits a week to the hospital with consistent testing and more to come. It's continuing to be interesting and we are anxious to meet the babies in person.

I see you

2006-03-24T13:01:00.000-05:00

This past Monday we went in for our appointment with the Perinatologist and while we watched the ultrasound we saw Twin B's eyes - she was looking at us!! Very cool to see her blinking and the eyes moving around looking for who was poking her from the outside. Twin A was a little more sleepy until poked more by the doc. They are doing fine. As usual, the docs are keeping their eyes on Twin B becuase she is the smaller of the two and has a little less amniotic flluid around her than Twin A.

Today we saw the OB at Anna Jacques - my blood pressure is up so we are heading in to the birth center this coming Monday for a biophysical profile on the twins and a non-stress test where the babies movements are evaluated with a monitor for an hour. The hypertension is causing swollen hands and ankles making it so the wedding band and engagement ring must come off or be cut off - so they are off for the duration. That's the not so great news, but the good news was that I got the go ahead for a pregnancy massage for next week which I'm looking forward to since my backaches are more frequent and poor Adam can't seem to rub my back long enough.

The house is almost complete - the painter is working on our master bedroom and bath over the next several days and then we'll be all set to put the rest of our artwork on the walls and feel more settled. The painted walls look fantastic and make all the details come out in the moldings and doorways - it truly feels like our home now.

As of Monday we'll be 31 weeks and only 5-7 weeks to go. Can't believe it's almost the end of March! I'm still resting and reading lots.

The dogs are doing well with training and both seem to be happy with the new agility work their "Uncle John" is having them work on at doggie day camp twice a week. Ruby Lou enjoys the tunnels and Honeycomb the jumps (just like hurdles for dogs). They are even teaching Honeycomb some new skills such as heeling while walking backwards so she can keep her eyes on any suspicious figures walking up behind us. It's a skill learned for a sport called French Ring where they do protection, obedience, and agility work. Also a neat party trick;)

The images above were taken in January with a funky lense called a Lensbaby that bends and contorts and gives a neat effect. I got a few shots of the dogs while experimenting - it can give a real soft feel to the subject in the photo. A bunch of the pros are working with these lenses. Hoping to add it to my repetoire if and when I get back to photography. Thought I'd share with you all...

I'm looking forward to family visiting soon to ease the boredom and we hope everyone out there is doing well. More to come soon.

Adam gets press in local paper for being soon-to-be-dad...

2006-03-15T09:08:00.000-05:00

Adam was recently quoted in a local Newburyport paper when he joined a Rookie Season new dad's group at Anna Jacques Hospital. Here's the article featured in the Newburyport Current. I thought he spoke from the heart and it made me laugh when we were in for our appointment yesterday and saw that the nurses posted the article on the wall of the waiting room:)
_____________________________________________________________
For every dad, there’s a Rookie Season
By Michelle Xiarhos Curran/ newburyport@cnc.com
Friday, March 10, 2006 - Updated: 04:02 PM EST
http://www.townonline.com/newburyport/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=448177&format=text
(copy and paste the link to see the article online)

Before their babies are even born, Newburyport-area mothers know about all the support personnel and groups that exist to help them from pregnancy through the first few months of parenthood - and beyond.
There’s a group to help moms breastfeed. There’s a group that guides them through baby’s first year of life. There are lactation consultants and childbirth classes and mothers clubs. And while dads are welcomed at many, these support groups are traditionally geared towards mothers, who not only bear the physical burden of carrying a child, but also more often have the luxury of time once the baby is born.
Seven years ago, Lyn Laakso, who was working as a labor and delivery nurse at the time, decided to change that after one particularly exhausted and frightened father voiced his feelings after his wife’s 24-hour labor.
"I never put in a 24 hours like that in my life," Laakso remembers him telling her.
The newly crowned father was quickly scolded by another nurse, who reminded him of what his wife just went through. Laakso remembered thinking to herself that fathers, whose feelings are oftentimes overlooked in the heat and afterglow of delivery, should be able to speak their minds without judgment.
That’s when she got the idea for Rookie Season, a support group for new dads and dads-to-be held the first Saturday of every month at the Women’s Health Care offices at Anna Jaques, where Laakso works as a staff nurse. The goal is to provide an open forum for men to talk to other men about being a dad.
"Guys are nervous about a lot of different things. They just kind of keep it to themselves," said Chuck Morse, one of the original participants in Rookie Season who now heads up the group. His daughter, Abby, is 6 years old.
The atmosphere is casual and there is no fee. It’s open to all dads, even if their wives are not delivering at Anna Jaques. They are encouraged to bring their children and are welcome to attend the group once or on a continuous basis, until their child turns 1. On a recent Saturday morning, five men - three dads-to-be and two new dads - met and talked about everything from changing diapers, choosing car seats and baby proofing to the anxiety and anticipation of delivery day and living with a pregnant wife.
"She’s already saying ’I’m going to need help shaving my legs,’" one father-to-be laughed as others nodded knowingly.
"My wife was so sick in the beginning, so I am praying for a nice, easy finish," another dad said, clasping his hands together and looking towards the ceiling.
Morse shared his personal experiences as a dad, and the dads-to-be - all of whom were expecting children in the next several months - listened to advice from the two new fathers on balancing family and work life, baby sleeping habits and the different developmental stages of early childhood.
The men seemed comfortable enough to talk openly about their concerns, fears and feelings and Morse - who has been running the group for several years - easily facilitated conversation among the participants.
Towards the end of the two-hour session, Laakso, who stays in her office so the guys can talk among themselves, sits with them for the last 15 minutes to answer any medical questions they might have about their wives’ pregnancies. She is also able to provide an objective female perspective when it is called for.
Respect for moms
Laakso’s approach is very straightforward and she helped to calm their fears about impending fatherhood with a sense of humor. The dads-to-be asked her questions about the changes in their wives’ bodies and delivery day.
"No one’s going to expect you to know anything medical," she reassured them.
"You have a newfound respect and awe for your partner," Morse told the others about the delivery. "It just further backs up my point that guys aren’t tough enough to have babies."
Laakso also addressed the pressures a pregnancy can put on a relationship, a topic the men seemed eager to talk about. She let the dads know that she understands it can be just as hard for them as it is for their wives.
Though some of the men said they attended Rookie Season on their wife’s suggestion, they all said they wanted to be involved as fathers, something Laakso said creates healthier children, and to see how other men have handled fatherhood.
"I’m glad to hear what everybody is doing," said Seabrook resident Brian Surette. He and his wife, Tammy, are expecting a baby boy May 3.
"It’s nice to know other guys have made it through," said David Wright, of Amesbury, whose wife Tara is due May 14 with a baby girl.
"I’m here because I’m completely freaking out about this," said Adam Norris. He and his wife, Dawn, who live in Boxford, are expecting identical twin girls on May 30. "I’m very, very nervous about this huge change."
Each of the new dads - who were glad they attended - said they’d be back, not only to show off their new babies, but also to talk about their experiences. "Each month it takes on a while new life," said Morse about the group. "There are so many topics to talk about."
The participants already with children said they will keep coming back too, for as long as they can.
Plum Island resident Kent Leonard, whose son Nick, 13 months, fell asleep in his arms, has been coming almost every Saturday since his son was born. He said he continues to attend Rookie Season for two reasons. "It’s some structured time for me and Nick and it gives my wife a break," he said.
"It’s a chance to talk about things because you don’t often have the chance to talk to other guys about those types of things," said Haverhill resident Tony Smolar, who fed and cuddled his 4-month old daughter Sofia during the meeting.
He also offered one important piece of advice to the dads-to-be for when their wives come home with their babies: "I would encourage her to get enough sleep if you want a happy home," he said with a laugh.
For information about Rookie Season, visit www.ajh.org.
Editor’s Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on support groups that appear regularly in The Current.

Little faces

2006-03-13T08:24:00.000-05:00

These images are from 2/27/06. They are the result of a surprise ultrasound - due to some more minor complications they did a double check to make sure everyone looked okay - they did. It's amazing to be able to see their tiny faces and know that they are hanging in there. The doctors are hoping to have me go 9 more weeks - this week marks my 29th week. The going is slow and energy continues to wane - this is the time of pregnancy doldrums. I'm so grateful to Adam for sticking around to help out as much as he can as I can't do dishes, laundry, feed the dogs, basically nothing but walk around the house and try to find a comfy place to sit. No more driving either but Adam did take me out for a spin in the Mini Cooper convertible the other day when the weather was warm and the dogs enjoyed a ride with us as well. It was just so nice to get out and breathe the fresh air!

We did make it to birth class this past weekend and we were both excited and exhausted. It's a little different experience to do breathing exercises when one is going to have a C-section but going through the motions was good for us and it was great to be around other pregnant women to emphathize about growing pains and the trials of pregnancy as well as the excitement. I thought Adam was barely going to make it through the video (to be honest, I barely made it through the video too!). But he was a trooper and he couldn't have been more supportive and attentive to my needs throughout the day. It also put in perspective, for both of us, the reality of how our lives are about to change for the better:)

The nursery continues to come together in little ways - my "fairy godmothers" Gayle and Kathy have been camping out with me on Sundays while I listen to their funny jokes and stories they sew away and each time they depart the nursery looks better - a crib skirt here, curtains there. They put me in front of my new machine and I spent some time working on little pieces only to nearly destroy my Singer on two occasions - let's just say bobbins aren't my favorite friend in the sewing world and there were nests of tangled thread on the table. But we survived with some much needed laughter and girl talk.

Adam and some buddies got their first round of golf in for the season yesterday despite overcast skies and some rain while the fairy godmothers kept me occupied. It's so incredible that Spring is right around the corner and we even got to have the windows open for two days and nights this past weekend - the fresh air was so wonderful and it abated our cabin fever substantially.

I hope everyone is well and we'll continue to keep you all posted as things progress.

A little excitement...

2006-02-28T12:41:00.000-05:00

After a trying week and a half we are somewhat back on track. Dawn started having Braxton-Hicks contractions on Wednesday of last week and spent a little quality time with the nurses and doctors at Anna Jacques in the Birthing Center. Grammy and Grampy Rabinowitz stayed with Dawn for the night when she returned home and Adam returned early from a business trip (none of the exciting stuff happens when Adam is home...) After many tests it was determined that mom and babies were fine but that Dawn must restrict her activities even further. Not quite full bed rest but MORE rest. Driving has become tough since after about 20-30 minutes serious backaches kick in and both babies have their cute little feet in Dawn's rib cage most of the day so she spends a lot of time laying down, relaxing, and fighting off boredom with loads of books and a few movies and the occasional Food TV show (big fan of Everyday Italian, Emeril Live, Paula's Home Cooking, and Iron Chef America). On Thursday it was back to the specialists at Brigham and Women's for the twins measurements to be taken and while they are still chugging right along the Perinatologist is keeping her eyes on the fluid level around Twin B who is a wee bit smaller than Twin A. Twin A is an estimated 2.2 lbs. and Twin B is 1.5 lbs. The exciting part was that Grammy (Joy) Rabinowitz got to see her first ultrasound images live - a far cry from when she delivered fraternal twins over 60 years ago when they x-rayed women to determine for certain if twins were occurring and at that only if absolutely necessary.

Yesterday (Monday) Dawn was back at the regular obstetrician to get tested for gestational diabetes only to have to get some additional tests run and another ultrasound because the B-H contractions continue and there was some indication that Dawn's water may be leaking. Another fun day of calls to Adam on the road - this week Birmingham, AL and Miami, FL. Despite being in the middle of a rather large deal, Adam has even realized the need to work from home in the coming weeks and travel a little less just in case the babies make an early appearance. Dawn's dad stayed overnight on Monday to make sure all was well and to shuttle Honeycomb home from Doggie Training Camp. Quite the feat since Dad's new car has a black leather interior and Honeycomb is that lovely golden fawn color (i.e. blonde). Easily resolved by the ever-thinking Dad - he put a dozen towels all over the back seat to accommodate the hair - good thing Honeycomb is a Malinois and not a drooling Saint Bernard!

The babies are now 27 weeks and we are expecting to go another 10 weeks (that is the goal for optimal twin health) and they will still be pegged for a C-Section delivery with a small chance that Dawn may deliver naturally if they are well positioned. Unfortunately those chances are slim as the obstatrician explained the other day so we are strongly anticipating a C-Section delivery.

Photos forthcoming of the newly painted nursery with cribs and decor finally in place. Just waiting for the painter to finish up some of the other rooms since he's had to store his equipment in the nursery out of the way of the curious Labrahound - Ruby's reach. Ruby Lou has proven the consummate but fickle retriever and we've found her with the painter's tape, a roll of saran wrap, and other various tools - thankfully the painter has two mischievous Weimeraner's of his own at home and Ruby's theivery is apparently nothing compared to his Weimes' stunts;) We've officially got the nursery, foyer, and Adam's office completed, working on the half-bath today. Adam continues to thank Dawn for not making him do the painting and leaving it to a professional who is very particular, friendly, and efficient.

Dawn asks that everyone keep their fingers crossed and prayers said for the health of the babies and that she stays off full bed rest for as long as possible. And, if anyone has any good book recommendations now is the time to email those to Dawn - she's finishing a book every three days:) Thank goodness as well for our comfortable new house since Dawn is pretty much housebound for the duration of the pregnancy. We continue to remind ourselves of how blessed we are and to exercise as much patience and enjoy the quite while it lasts:)

Whoa Belly!

2006-02-01T13:54:00.000-05:00

I finally was able to get a day with some good light and also had enough energy to set up my tripod and do a few self pregnancy portraits. This was shot today as I looked out our parlor window facing out the front of the house. Honey of course is keeping me company:) She's also quite the camera ham as some of you may recall...

I'm feeling as big as I look, my feet are disappearing beneathe me daily and I could really use a forklift on standby to get up and down from the couch, the floor, the bed, any chair. I can't stop but think - what if I wasn't an athlete for the past couple of decades?! How would I move? I'm hoping to start some pregnancy yoga tomorrow depending on my energy level. It's amazing some days I have enough energy to do what I wish and other days the couch can't appeal more to me. It's a trip! I've learned my body knows best and to just give in.

Today we were lucky (the dogs and I) I got to wander out and use this great toy for Honeycomb to fetch balls with called a Hyperdog (literally she turns on hyper mode when this apparatus comes out) which is essentially a slingshot with tennis balls as the launching item. I just have to stand there and launch the balls and Honey couldn't be more thrilled. This was spurned by an in-house protest where she simply stared at me and softly howled and barked as if to say - "You know Mom, these days of napping and lounging around isn't very Malinois-like - can you please get me out of this house for some activity - Bark! Bark! Bark!" I couldn't refuse since she is normally so quiet I barely know she's in the same room as me. Ruby was happy to oblige as well so she could sniff around the yard while I lauched the tennis balls for Honeycomb. They are such great companions especially with Adam trying to cram in as many business trips before May I'd be so much more lonely without my trusty canine companions:)

Enjoy the photos. More to come in the future. These should satisfy those of you who have been asking for shots of me and the belly.

Moving Right Along

2006-01-29T12:19:00.000-05:00

At 23 weeks we have a waver folks! Yep, Twin B waved to us - apparently she's getting used to having her photo taken - this coming from the same twin who only wanted to show us her tush the last few visits. Everything is still growing smoothly - the doctor and sonographer say the babies look perfect and beautiful - we'll continue to keep our fingers crossed. The two like to engage with each other through the thin membrane that separates them and it's cute to watch them. So far they have plenty of room to turn around and Twin B (the waver) was tucked up behind Dawn's rib cage with both feet pushing on that protective valve revealing she as the culprit responsible for most of the indigestion Dawn suffers from several times a day.

Cribs were purchased this week and should arrive 6-8 weeks from this past Tuesday. So Adam will have sufficient time for assembly with luck that the babies don't decide to arrive early. Adam's been practicing with various pieces of furniture we have purchased for the guest bedrooms. Lovely furntiure for all baby helpers who will inhabit the guest bedrooms this Spring.

Because you asked:)

2006-01-25T14:21:00.000-05:00

Many of you have asked where we are registered. Here's some stuff if you'd like to look at things we have registered for our babies....

www.felicite.com - when you go here they are an umbrella site so we have picked among their merchants for items from multiple online stores. Cash gifts are not cash, they are items from sites that aren't direct merchants for felicite. You can put money towards an item here if you have several people who want to pitch in for a gift.

www.potterybarnkids.com

www.amazon.com (Babies R Us)

Face to Face

2006-01-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

With many eager requests to see the babies here they are. We got great news last week that they continue to grow at the same rate and are the same size:) We will be seen every two weeks be the specialist and every other two weeks by the OB at Anna Jacques to keep track of their weight and measurements. The heartbeats are great and these ladies are true movers and shakers - last week they were "talking" to each other - face to face. Looks like we've got some gabbers on our hands:)

When you look at the ultrasound photos you can see them looking at each other and their profiles. The sonographer saw Twin A yawning (takes after her mom) and Twin B was moving her lips. They've come along just great and we will continue to hope things go smoothly. I'll soon photograph my belly which really popped in the last couple of weeks causing me to teeter every once in a while. Despite battling a bit of a head cold I'm in chipper spirits and the dogs of course are serving as great company. I'm halfway through the pregnancy at this point - 21 weeks and can't believe how fast it is going by.

Adam and Mike (Dawn's dad) are in Florida this week at golf school in Jacksonville. I hope that my mom Kathy will be visiting from Florida at the end of the week to alleviate some boredom and see the new house.

Sweet Baby Girls

2006-01-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

It's official (at least until they are actually born) we are having twin baby girls! Adam and I are excited to share this great news with everyone and to let you know that they appear to be doing just fine as they grow (along with my belly). I am officially 19 weeks along in the pregnancy. We are not disclosing names until the big day so sit tight... The last ultrasound was done by a specialist called a Perinatologist since the babies are considered "high risk". Adam and I were certain going into the appointment that we were having boys so we asked the doctor doing the ultrasound to "double check" that they are in fact girls. She confirmed - give us a break, we are new to this and both of us had dreams the week before that we were having boys - can't blame us;)

We are planning the nursery (I am - Adam is "advising") and I have decided to do it in colors other than just pink (I know you are surprised!) and the central theme is going to be antique Tinkerbell from Peter Pan. I have been scouring eBay for Tinkerbell baby stuff. I have found a great lamp that will serve to be the inspiration for the colors and style. Very exciting. I am even venturing into learning sewing so I can adorn the nursery with curtains, bumpers in the cribs, etc. Thanks to some dear friends who can guide me through the sewing thing all should not be lost... Pics forthcoming the closer we get to the delivery date which is May 30th but we have been well informed it could be weeks earlier and I will be delivering via c-section so it will be somewhat "pre-arranged" by the doctors.

I'll have plenty updates as we go along here - MD appointments every two weeks for the next few months then more frequently as we get closer to May. As the nurses said last visit to the OB who will deliver our babies in Newburyport at Anna Jacques Hospital, "your babies are going to be the most photographed in this office!" they have no idea!!!

Lots of warmth to all and a happy happy new year,
Dawn, Adam, Honeycomb, Ruby Lou, Twin A and Twin B

PS - Adam took the above pic of Honey and I the other day on one of my first "hikes" since I've had some energy. If you are wondering where Rubes is - she was sniffing out some little varmit as usual... I took the shot you see of Rubes running back to us.

Discussion of Religion (since it's "Christ"mas)

2005-12-21T10:50:00.000-05:00

Recently Dawn and I got into a discussion about religion. {I apologize in advance if I misquote scripture, I'm not real clear on any of these religions} We were talking about how it appears some religions (Baptist, Muslim) say that if you don't worship like they do or to the God they do then you will end up in Hell. (Why is does this word look better capitalized?) So therefore it appears everyone is being damned to hell by another group. Of course my wife (a Jew) doesn't believe in hell, the spirit lives on. Convenient. Me? I think I go in the ground and that's it. No biggie, I just hope it's later versus sooner. So the conversation prompted thought and then the next day as I was cleaning my desk I found an interesting/funny e-mail that deals with this topic. So here you go (this is one of my all time favorites and always worth a read, I'm glad I'm putting it on here so it's easily accessible going forward).

From an e-mail a while back, very well written:

The following is supposedly an actual question on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term. The answer by one student was so "profound" that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well.

Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?

One student wrote the following:

First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving.

As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today. Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls will go to Hell.

With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.

This gives us two possibilities:

1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.
2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.

So which is it?

If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, "it will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you", and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number 2 must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over.

The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct....leaving only Heaven thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting "Oh, my God."

I've always wondered why terrorists want to hurt us. Perhaps it's our ability to find humor in religion and politics and sexual orientation. God bless the Land of the Free and the 1st Amendment.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2005-12-20T08:47:00.000-05:00

With a huge snow storm and some baking going on, life in the Norris house is just settling down after our move... Dawn has even found time to make her first apple pie to christen the oven.She even got in a few photos by planting herself in the snow with her camera as she observed the dogs run and play. It was nice to take a couple of shots as it has been several months since she's been able to do so. For now, the photographic withdrawl has been ebbed and we are proud to show off our proud Malinois with snow on her nose - just call her lady grace! And then there's lil' Rubes who always finds some time to munch some snow as she plays. Typical Lab - stomach first:)
Both of the girls are happy when it comes to the first snow and thoroughly enjoy their romps - this day was special becuase it's as if they never expereienced snow the past two winters. We titled these shots "Dashing Through the Snow I" and Dashing Through the Snow II".

Holiday Ramblings

2005-12-15T10:56:00.000-05:00

My good friend Jon Chapman shared this with me regarding the current state of affairs surrounding holiday parties and the anti-Christmas contingent. Really people, this country was built on Christian beliefs and although I don't believe in excluding others, there is no reason to stop Christmas celebrations and all they provide. Give it a rest. And have the Christmas parties in December, I mean really. But enough about me, and read on......

Subject: Christmas Party
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 01, 2005
RE: Christmas Party
I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 pm. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees! Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Patty

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 02, 2005
RE: Holiday Party
In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians or those still celebrating Reconciliation Day. There will be no Christmas tree present. No Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment. Happy now? Happy Holidays to you and your family. Patty

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 03, 2005
RE: Holiday Party
Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table ... you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only"; you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this? Somebody? Forget about the gifts exchange, no gifts exchange are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy. NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.
Patty

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
To: All Employees
DATE: October 04, 2005
RE: Holiday Party
What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20 begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs. Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party- or else package everything for you to take it home in little foil doggy baggy. Will that work? Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms. Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower arrangement for the Gay men's table. To the person asking permission to cross dress, no cross-dressing allowed though. We will have booster seats for short people. Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food we suggest for those people with high blood pressure to taste first. There will be fresh fruits as dessert for Diabetics, the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar" desserts. Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?
Patty

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All F--king Employees
DATE: October 05, 2005
RE: The F--king Holiday Party
Vegetarian pricks I've had it with you people!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your f--king salad bar, including organic tomatoes. But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW! I hope you all have a rotten holiday! Drive drunk and die,
The Bitch from HELL!!!!!!!!

FROM: Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director
DATE: October 06, 2005
RE: Patty Lewis and Holiday Party
I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay. Happy Holidays!

Our New Home

2005-12-10T11:40:00.000-05:00

December 10, 2005
We are finallly just about settled in the new place in Boxford. The dogs love it, Adam has said every day how much he "loves our house", and I'm just taking it all in. We had our first snow of the season (compared to the measly amount we got at Thanksgiving, this storm technically counts as our first "real" snow). About a foot here at the house. Did I mention Adam is in Florida so he's missing this joyous event (i.e. I had to shovel, the pregnant lady, to give the dogs a path through the back yard to do their business)... All is well, it is beautiful today and if I could just find my gators so I can trek with the dogs through the yard to get some more shots all would be fantastic. The shots you see are not so great, considering my ability to photograph, but I've not picked up my camera since about three months ago and I'm a little rusty. More good shots to come. Although, amazingly enough, there was still a charge on my batteries in the camera body so that was impressive.

As many of you know I closed the business operations in Newburyport and moved what remains into the home office. I've been filling holiday orders and trying to wrap things up for going on hiatus. Easier said than done. I'll be spending time working on improving post production output (editing, tweaking, improving prints) and printing. I've been taking some courses online and am looking forward to working on images I haven't had the opporutnity to evaluate from this past summer.

Adam and I will be here in Boxford for Christmas. The twins are keeping me busy already and they aren't even outside the womb yet. I'm getting a bit of a belly and find it simply incredible that I'm going to stretch to accomodate the two of them. For those of you wondering, they are identical but we don't know if they are going to be boys or girls yet. Will post when we find out in several weeks. Every day I'm a little surprised to remember that I'm pregnant with twins. Adam is thrilled and despite the news of twins finally sinking in a month later he askes me if I forget that I'm pregnant sometimes... Men!?!

Grammy Rabinowitz celebrated her 85th birthday this past week. We had a small dinner out and she hasn't aged a bit for those of you that haven't seen her for a while. Still a spitfire. She was out with her old camp friends (YES! Camp friends.) the other night ironically at a restaurant called Luminiere and as she opened a gift wrapped in tissue paper caught the paper on fire with the tealight on the table so you could say she's still able to light up a place just be being there! All were fine by the way as one of her camp friends suggested that she dump her glass of water on the fire to put it out, which she did, and they simply moved tables to let the party continue.

That's all from chez Norris for now.