Warner in the tub

Aunt Amy and uncle Rob gave Warner a bubble machine for the bath tub. As you can see he loves it!!!

Warner's birthday/family pictures 8/09

This was such a fun experience. I had my friend Carrie take Warner's pictures for his 1st b-day. He did so well, he couldn't stop smiling at her. We had so many awesome ones to chose from, it was hard to pick. She does such a great job. I can't be happier at how these pictures turned out. We took some of them behind Thomas Hardy on 25th street. And then some more at the Union Station on the trains. Thanks Carrie for the fabulous pictures.

A lot has happened...

Sorry I haven't posted for a little while, a lot has happened. So I apologize if the next few posts are kinda long.

Stryker David Andre and Scout Jamie Andre, 8/1/09

I got a text on Friday morning at 7:30am from Dave saying Jamie went into early labor and was in the hospital but she was stable for now. Her body had been aching for a couple days but she thought it was just normal pregnancy aches. She woke up that morning at 1:00 am and knew that she was in labor so she woke up Dave and they went to the hospital. My parents got there around 4:00am to give her a blessing. So when I found out I rushed to the hospital to be with them. I was a total wreck just like all the others. We would get good news sometimes from the doctors that they might be okay, but then other news saying she would have the babies today and since she was only 21 weeks along the twins wouldn't survive. The doctor said that she had an incompetent cervix, and by keeping the babies in could put Jamie's life at risk. They will be able to fix the cervix for other pregnancies but this one was to late. Both families gathered at the hospital all day and night. It killed me to leave her and not spend the night but I had Warner with me and I needed to get him to bed.

So I called Jamie the next morning at 7:30 and she said that nothing had changed through the night so that was good. The doctor told her that she may make it another 6 weeks on bed rest in the hospital but she probably wouldn't make it that long. Then a couple hours later her fever went up to 105 and she went into hard labor so they gave her an epidural and put her on the pit to progress the labor.

I was sobbing the whole time standing outside her door. I could hear her crying and she said that she could here me too. I hated knowing that she had to go through labor and that the babies would be alive when they were born but they couldn't save them. Stryker came out first in only one push, he was 13 oz. Then Scout came next after about 3 pushes, and she weighed about 11 oz. They were so beautiful! Jamie and Dave got to spend some time with them alone before they let the grand parents come in. Then the brothers and sisters got to come in I went straight to Jamie. They both were so calm and at peace. For some reason I was so scared to see the twins. I panicked for a few minutes but when I finally got to see them I fell in love with them instantly. They looked so perfect, just like normal just really really small. Scout looks just like Jamie and Stryker looks just like Dave. They got to keep the babies as long as they wanted. They let Dave give them a bath in the room and then they got to dress them in little outfits that the hospital gave them, they were still to big. They gave them little teddy bears, booties, blankets, a bracelet and flower for Scouts head, and a binnie for Stryker. After they were all dressed everyone came in again and Dave gave them the most special blessings and we had a family prayer. I hated to say goodbye to them because I knew I wouldn't see them again for a long time, I wanted to take them home with me. I don't think I have any more tears left in me. Jamie and Dave have been so strong through this tragic event, but have been so blessed with the support of their family and friends. I can't wait until we can hold these perfect little spirits in our arms again.

I love you Dave, Jamie, Stryker, and Scout!

Stryker is on the left with his cute little cone head, and Scout is on the right.

The Grandma's

The Grandparent's,

you can tell my dad had a really hard time too.

Kari and Randy

Stryker and Scout's Funeral 8/8/09

Jamie and Dave had a small service over at the Syracuse Cemetery for the twins. It was very sad but also very touching. We didn't expect quite a turn out. They said about 120 people were there. I am so glad that Jamie and Dave have such great support from all their family and friends. It was so sweet to see Dave caring the tiny casket to the grave spot, I'm sure that was very hard on him. My dad opened the ceremony followed by a nice song by Karen (Dave's mom) and her twin sister Sharon. My brother Bryan gave such an awesome talk that had us all in tears, then opened the floor for anyone to go up and speak if they liked. A lot of us went up there to tell Jamie, Dave and the twins how much we love them. After that Dave's cousin Brodie sang a beautiful song "Sissy's song" by Alan Jackson. He changed the words a little bit to fit the situation, it was perfect! Then Todd (Dave's dad) gave the closing prayer, and we had a luncheon after. It was such a precious and spiritual service for such perfect little angel's Stryker and Scout. I am really going to miss seeing them grow up. I know they are where they should be, but the selfish part of me wants them here with us. Jamie and Dave are very strong and they will overcome this heartache as time goes on.

Their body's were so small the only thing that would fit them were doll clothes that were made by one of Dave's aunt.

(Stryker's clothes)

(Scout's clothes) Jamie and Dave had this dog tag made to put in the casket, it had the twins little rings on there that were given to them in the hospital. (Jamie and Dave both have one on their necklaces too)
I made this small blanket for them to be wrapped up in.

Dave's aunt is a florist and she made all the bouquets for the gave site.
We had a balloon for each kid to release for Stryker and Scout