The Names are IN!

Lauren Michelle Kohler

Hannah Clare Kohler

As we begin 2008 we find that change is, once again, shaping our lives. For us, this has been a truly wonderful year. Lisa & I were married last summer, with our children playing all the time & blending well together. Recently, we have been blessed with the news that this summer we are expecting ... twins!

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December 4th - Our doctor showed us where one baby was and then said, 'Now look over to the right. There is your other baby! That's right, you're having twins!' Wow! Have you ever been in a controlled state of shock? When our doctor said 'There is your other baby!', we certainly were! Twins! Excited ... delighted ... tears of joy came to us!

Lisa didn't really say a word for a while, except quietly repeating that word - 'Twins!' We are doing our best to get some extra sleep now, to make up for the sleep we won't get this summer! "Have you ever seen two miracles in one tummy?", say Lulu. (Here is their first snapshot taken at almost 10 weeks!)

The Twins making their debut (December 4th, 2007)

January 9th - Fourteen weeks and we just got back from the doctor's office ... the twins are doing very well! Our little baby on the left (below) moved around alot and actually waved at us! It was really fun to see. Can you see the baby's amazing little profile? Now our little one on the right (below) just kept resting on his/her little head during the entire photo shoot... totally up-side-down. We also got to see and hear their tiny little hearts beating ... Wow! Very moving for us! Both have strong heart rates & are growing well. What a miracle life is!

Little Baby K (left) sitting on his/her bottom & is showing a strong profile. Amazing! Little Baby J (right) is resting comfortably on his or her head! You can clearly see the spine and tiny, little legs!

So we asked Dr. Shipp whether he could tell if they were boys or girls. Now here's the good news! He said that they are definitely either boys or girls or maybe even one of each! :-) Nope ... we don't know - yet! So naming the Little Kohler Twins is on hold for another month or so. We're taking suggestions ...

We'll be taking another picture in early February and will post a new one then. We should even know whether they are boys or girls or maybe even a split-decision! Dr. Ship is fairly certain that they are non-identical twins. We'll know more in early February ...

Whew ... Twins!

February 6th - Okay .. so here's the latest: Lisa is doing fabulously well! Good blood pressure, proper weight gain (she looks 'mah-velous!') ... and the Twins are really healthy, too! Strong heart beats & equal growth between the two kids. In fact, they are already doing some kick boxing with each other!

Our little Lauren Michelle posing for another shot for her parents!

Now for the news you've been waiting for. Dr. Shipp took a look around and he's pretty darn certain that we have at least one baby girl! He's also fairly sure that the other twin is ... also a girl! Wow! Two little Kohler girls! Now - before you go getting too excited about buying everything pink - we will get another look in just two more weeks when we go for the Level Two ultrasound. There are lots of stories on the baby blogs about how wrong these initial ultra-sounds can be. So for now ... it's Girls 1 - Boys ??.

February 20th - Just got back from our Level Two sonogram. It's almost a sure thing that we are having two girls. Whew! Two girls ... both weighing in at a healthy 12 ounces each. 'Grow, baby girls! Grow!'

Head shots of Hannah Clare (L) & Lauren Michelle (R) shown facing one another. Aren't they cute??

March 5th - Since we're having twins (whew!), we're going to have two doctors in the delivery room. So we met with Dr. Gerber this time. Lauren Michelle and Hannah Clare are doing very well (so is Mom!) - strong heartbeats and lots of baby moving! During the sonograms, little Lauren was opening and closing her mouth and Hannah won first place for Kick Boxing the inside of Mom's tummy! And Mom's making sure that the Twins have lots of room to grow ... :-)

It's also highly UNlikely that either of our fabulous little babies are boys. Yes ... after yet one more ultra-sound, it's just about 99.99999% certain that we are having twin girls. How do we feel about that? Really wonderful! What is most important to us is that we have healthy and full-term Kohler-babies ...

... and, we've scheduled the twins for delivery on June 16th!!

March 19th - Well, we went in expecting a pretty normal visit. (In fact, the twins are growing well and are doing fine! They are about 1 1/2 pounds each!) However, our doctors found out that Lisa is having some pre-term contractions. He sent us directly to the hospital for testing. They gave her some contraction stopping medication and Lisa will be on strict bed rest for the next 12 weeks. (Fortunately, she's got e-mail and a laptop!)

So, of course, Lisa asked the doctors for the exact definition of "strict bed rest" (probably hoping to find a loop hole that would allow her to do too many things!) They said that strict bed rest is 23 hours & 45 minutes being horizontal, still & relaxed ... which allows for a full 15 minutes every day to walk, eat, jog & shower! Can you imagine our Lisa with 15 minutes of daily activity?

However, she's 'all in' for the bed resting and is being a fabuous patient (and parent!), adding "Anything for the twins!"

After the doctors discovered that Lisa was having pre-term labor contractions, she was immediately admitted to the hospital for 48 hours of monitoring, medications & observation. Along with some encouraging words from Haley & Erin, the medications did stop the contractions! Yahoo! And Lisa is now at home on strict bed rest for the next 12 weeks.

The combination of anti-contraction medication and strict bed rest is usually successful and so the doctors are pretty optimistic about the chances that the twins will stay put for another 8 - 12 weeks! Yea! (Keep your fingers and toes crossed!) Like the nurse told us, Lisa's tummy is the best ICU in the county! :-)

So, Dick & Lulu immediately drove out from El Paso to lend a hand. (Thank you!) It looks like Lulu will be spending the Spring with us to help with Lisa and the kids. (Although, she says that I am 'On my own!') :-)

So with babies intact and a lot of help from Dick & Lulu, it looks like prayers really do get answered!

And speaking of prayers, I would so appreciate your including babies Hannah & Lauren in your prayers. There are many, many 'happy endings' with other Moms and babies in similiar situations and things are looking good right now, but every extra good thought and heart-felt prayer counts! Lauren & Hannah need just a few more weeks ...

Leaving the hospital, the medical staff said that, while Lisa was a great patient, they didn't want to see her again until mid-June! We couldn't agree more! (BTW, this is the last time Lisa will be on her feet for the next 12 weeks. Strict bed rest from now on!)

March 26th - A visit to the doctors and ... we're good-to-go (for now!) The tests show that there is a 99.9% chance that the twins will stay put for the next two weeks, at least! Lisa is still on strict bed rest & anti-contraction medications every 4 hours.

Now, here's the interesting thing: What I am learning is that being on 'strict bed rest' isn't such a bad thing for Lisa! I mean, 23 hours every day on the couch and being catered to 'round the clock does have its advantages!

Seriously, Lisa & the twins are doing well and she would love to be up and about!

A great profile shot of one of the Twins. Can you guess which one she is?

April 2nd - A quick visit to the perinatologist shows that the Twins are staying right where they are! Yes!! Yes, we asked them to 'make sure' that the girls are girls ... and guess what? They are both (still) girls and they are both (still) practicing Karate in Mom's tummy! So both girls are head-down and everything looks great! The girls will be 'packing on the pounds' over the next four weeks and should double their weight (to over 3 pounds each!).

April 4th - Lisa' Mom & sister threw a wonderful baby shower. Friends and family came from all over the country. Thank you all (or is it "y'all"?) for taking the time and effort to participate in our celebration of the Twins. 'A splendid time was had by all!'

Ray & Sally,Troy, Dave & Lisa, Lauren, Terri, Lulu, Margaret, Dick, Steve & Amy, Heather & George and Ken. (Seated) Rachael, Haley, Erin, Charlie, Kelley & Adam.

April 11th - Lisa is still on 'strict bed rest' and is getting the hang of being completely waited on both day & night. It's amazing what a cell phone and a lap top will do for a girl! She is restless to get moving and want to get things done (I think she simply misses her trips to Starbuck's) but even the doctor's would be proud of her commitment for doing what's best for the babies. Lisa is simply amazing! :-)

We are blessed to have Lisa's Mom staying with us for the next several months. She is doing major league help with Lisa, the shopping, the house and the kids. (The real unsung hero is Lulu's hubby, Dick, who is spending too much time alone at their home in El Paso.) We are so fortunate to have their help and support. What a difference it makes for our family!

April 16th - Well, we just got back from an extended doctor visit and - everything looks great! And it looks like the little baby girls are staying put (at least for now!) Thanks for your prayers and heart-felt wishes.

The girls weigh in at a hefty 2 1/2 pounds each. Both girls are measuring about 10 days ahead of their age. Not surprisingly, their heads measure 16 days ahead! Just one words about the girls:

Healthy! Healthy! Healthy!

Brooke took these hi-res '4-D' pictures of our lttle girls. They are already Daddy's little girls!

Woo Hoo!

Take a look at our little Cover Girl Lauren! However, Hannah was a bit camera shy and only wanted to show her karate foot (the same foot that she's been kicking Mom's tummy with) Don't they look beautiful?

April 23rd - Well, the last FFN test came back 'positive' ... so it looks like Lisa will be spending he next 3 weeks in the hospital. :-( Yes, we know it's the best thing for the little Twins. She'll be there until May 14th ... So the Good News is that the Twins are intact and are still 'packin on the ounces' & kickin' up a storm!

April 25th - Back in the hospital for strict bed rest & monitoring - this time at Mary Birch Hospital. It's is a great facility and they have 1 nurse for every three patients. Lisa's there because they have a fabulous Level Three NICU ... and hopefully, we won't need it. Our goal is to have Lisa outta there by May 15th and either back back at home (for three more weeks of bed rest) or to a local hospital (with a Level Two NICU).

It's not what we expected but Lisa is committed to do anything and everything to make certain that the little Lauren & Hannah are born as close to Week 36 as possible! Actually, the Little Ones are growing well and have fully functional organs now, except for their lungs ... and if needed - Mary Birch Hosptial is one of the best!

As always, we appreciate your kind wishes and prayers for Lisa and the Twins! Thank you ...

Lisa is all smiles today, as she goes for doctor-mandated hospital bed rest until mid-May. She has a great room with really excellent staff and facilities. I guess that life really is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans!

April 26th - The contractions are DOWN & all systems are GO! Hooray! Now we just waitin' for Week 35 to roll around! Then the Twins can roll right into all of our lives! Twin girls! Whew! Being down for 23+ hours everyday from now til June, there isn't much for her do to. She's thinking about writing a book about life in solitary confinement or perhaps being stranded on a tiny desert island. Gee, I wonder where the inspiration for those are coming from? :-)

Actually, Lisa is very strong and very talented. She's doing a great job as making the most out of this unexpected situation. And, as always, your warm thoughts and prayers are most welcomed!

A quick visit to see Mom, Haley is all smiles to know that Lisa & the Twins are doing really well! Do you think that Haley would still be smiling if she knew how many diapers she may be changing in the months ahead? Lots of fun visiting Lisa today!

April 30th - Have you ever been in a airliner that was on a holding pattern? Well, our Lisa & the Twins are doing fine but she is definately in a 'holding pattern' in the hospital. The high point of her day is when she gets to meet her next nurse! You know how she's keeping busy? She's prospecting for new real estate clients! So far, she's picked up three buyers and has formed a doctor-based investment group (and she's been there for less than one week.) Go girl!

Lisa and the Twins get checked four times each day for contractions. So far ... so good! And there is a pretty varied hospital menu. So far ... so so!

May 3rd - Lisa and the Twins are doing well and some of the key indicators are actually getting better! If fact, she may be coming home by the middle of next week! We'll know more about that next Tuesday. Today, she had a wonderful visit with Lulu, Haley & Erin. (I've got a touch of bronchitis and so am staying far away from Lisa until I'm completely better!) Her spirits remain good!

May 6th - The Twins just got checked ... and they are doing great! Normal growth and no complications. They are on track ... Lisa's is going to stay for another week in the hospital to insure that ALL the girls are will do well! Lauren has some chubby little checks and Hannah was busy sticking her toungue out at Mom! All's well ... whew!!

May 8th - Lisa has been in the hospital for more than two weeks now. This is challenging for the whole family but it is especially difficult for Lisa. She's stuck in a hospital bed 30 miles from home! She is keeping herself very busy but mostly, she's being a very good patient!

We are so fortunate to have Lulu around! She is fabulous and is taking the rough edges off of a very difficult situation. Lisa and I talk & text all of the time. We also use Skype, which is a service that allows us to call each other - with video - using our computers. Every little bit helps!

We have so much to be thankful for and we count our blessings as Lisa and the Twins continue to do well!

Lisa's has been in the hopsital for more than two weeks now! We talk and text all the time but we also use Skype to see each other through our computers. This has really been challenging, especially for Lisa! She's an amazing person with a loving soul!

Mother's Day! - What happens when Mom's in the hospital and not home for Mother's Day? We take our home to Mom! Lulu, the kids and I had an in-room picnic in Mom's hospital room! I guess it's true that "Home is where the Mom is!"

As for Mom coming home this week ... well we won't know for a few days. Hopefully, Lisa will be able to be home this week! If not, it may be a while longer ...

We all spent Mother's Day with Mom at her bedside. It was a special day for Mom and for us all. We are all excited to have the Twins with all of us for our next Mother's Day!! Lots of fun!

We will always remember Mother's Day 2008 as that special day we spent in the hospital with Mom. She opened wonderful cards & presents and posted special Mom pictures on the wall. We had a great in-room picnic Then Haley & Michael took turns pushing Mom around the grounds in her very own wheel chair! Moonie made a great place matt for Mom, Haley gave her a beautiful poem and Michael drew some very special Star Wars pictures! A wonderful day!

May 14th - Lisa is HOME! She's doing okay ... the Twins are past the crucial 32 Week marker and so she came home today! Hooray! The girls are very happy to have Mom back home ... and so am I! She is still on strict bed rest and now our next stop is Week 35!! Doctor Shipp says that he's not worried about Lisa or the Twins at all! Don't you just love medical science!?!

We'll keep you updated and thanks again for your prayers and best wishes!

Yeah! Mom came home today!

May 25th - Lisa's still HOME! She and the Twins are doing well .... still on bed rest, still some normal contracting, the Twins are still growing & kicking & stretching a lot (althought there certainly isn't much room left!) and we're still waiting 'til the second or third week of June.

May 28th - Lisa's done it! Yahoo!! She's made it to Week 34 .... which is another huge milestone for the development of the Twins. Should they be born now, their lungs are much more developed and they won't need much (if any) time in the ICU. We are still hoping they will make their debut on June 16th but we are past the biggest challenges associated with 'Premies'. Whew!

May 29th - We did a growth scan on the Twins today. Little Hannah weighs in at 5 pounds 5 ounces ... and our Lauren weighs 5 pounds 11 ounces! And their little baby heads are b-i-g and round. Like father - like daughters!! The ultrasound technician was giggling about how perfectly round they are! Too funny! Our girls are healthy and doing really well. We can now safely deliver ... this is the first time in 3 months that Lisa is relaxed about our pregnancy because we're out of the danger zone! Another 'Whew!'

.... and one more thing - the doctors are looking into moving up the delivery date. Maybe to June 11th! With Lisa measuring at 41 'singleton' weeks, delivering a bit early would be fabulous! Looks like this is shaping up to be one very special Father's Day for me!

Thank you for your love and support and prayers!

That's it for now, but lots more to follow!

Thanks for checking in ...

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Lisa & Lulu strategize on how many diapers that Daddy Dave will be changing!

In 2008, we look forward to working on our businesses and to expanding our wonderful family! Since we always love to hear from our friends, please feel free to call (877 530-2150 ext 1) or send an e-note to us at Dave@DaveKohler.com.

We wish you the very best that life has to offer ...

All the best!

Lisa & Dave Kohler

Erin, Michael, Lisa, Haley & Dave (twins not yet shown)