New BFF!

Today my friend Mari (who I've known since kindergarten) came over with her mom and her beautiful daughter Miya (almost 4 months old) to visit Maddie and Katie. We know that they will be longtime friends just like their mommies. Here are some cute pics that we took of the 3 girls.

Maddie, Miya, Katie

Mommies and Babies

First Family Photos

We had our first family photo session yesterday with Sherilyn Kusuda Luke, the same talented woman who shot my mom and Jerry's wedding. She is a mom of two young ones herself and has such a way with kids. Our girls had their moments, as you will see in some of the photos, but overall, we had an amazing time. I can't wait to see all of the photos! Make sure to check your mailboxes for our Christmas card featuring her amazing work. Interested in hiring Sherilyn? Check her out at www.sherilynkusudaphoto.com.

Here are some teaser shots:

http://sherilynkusudaphoto.com/blog/?p=567

Happy 1 Week Birthday!

Today Maddie and Katie turned 1 week old - boy time is flying. We have had such a great time with them and what I love most if how Toby interacts with the girls. He is such a wonderful daddy and you can see how much he loves them and cares for them. He is such a natural dad and can calm them down when they are fussy, helps to feed and burp them, is a pro diaper changer (even though Katie always tries to pee on him), and has such a calm and gentle nature with them. I am so excited to watch him parent them as they grow older - they are two very lucky girls.

We had an impromptu bath tonight for Katie. While Toby was changing her diaper, she peed all over the place - her back, the changing table and it even got ALL OVER her hair. How? Not sure, but it was a mess. I had to bust out a towel and the California Baby calming baby wash (thanks Kate & Josh!) and wash Katie's hair - that was an adventure. She was great during the wash and didn't fuss once. Whew. What a night. Enjoy the photos!

Our 1 week photo in match pyjamas with our bunny from Aunty Mari

Maddie on the left and Katie on the right. Maddie likes to raise her hand like she is asking a question all the time - it is too funny.

Me after giving Katie a mini-bath and washing her pee infested hair.

The Good Granddaughter

I am a good granddaughter and I appreciate my Popo. I have to share this with everyone as my Popo worked really hard the last few days making me lots of delicious Chinese food - each with a special meaning. The Chinese customs regarding what you should eat following childbirth are very interesting. I have eaten ginger fried rice, 2 different kinds of chicken soup, a chicken fried rice and, tonight, pig's feet soup. I have never before tired the pig's feet soup and I have to admit that it was pretty delicious. It is has a very strong vinegar taste and is supposedly very healthy for a new mother - it helps to clean out the system. Popo made me 2 huge pots so I am sharing it with my family and friends. Thank you Popo!

The bowl I ate tonight at dinner - the item on the left is a hard boiled egg - it was good.

Our new friends

Here are some photos of Maddie and Katie's visitors - more to come!

With mommy's grandma - our Tai Tai (great grandma). We also have a great great grandma - we need to get a photo with her since we now have 5 generations of women in our family!

Katie and Lucy with Grandma Sandy

Grandpa Rod

Uncle Lance

Uncle Cy

With cousins Erin and Ryan and Aunty Jan

Aunty Jaclyn

Aunties Erin and Jamie

First Outing

Yesterday, Maddie and Katie had their first doctor's appointment outside of the hospital. What an adventure. We were actually on time, which was a surprise, considering how long it took us to pack up and get out of the house. We left here with them both fed and freshly changed, but the minute we got there, they both pooped - twice. It was pretty comical. Maddie is weighing in at 4 lbs. 9.5 oz and Katie is 4 lbs 4.5 oz. Their doctor was pleased with how they are doing and we don't have to go back until next Monday.

Maddie & Katie at the doctor's office
Maddie and Katie in their carseats - ready to go!

Madison and Kateyn Have Arrived!

It is with great joy and excitement that we welcome Madison Yumi Ku'umomimakamae Kawamura and Katelyn Miyoko Ka'ano'ipua Kawamura into our family. Our precious bundles of joy came into this world on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009. Maddie made her debut at 4:04 am weighing in at 4 pounds, 14.4 oz and measuring 18 3/4 inches long. Katie joined her sister at 4:05 am weighing in a 4 pounds 8.2 oz and measuring 18 1/2 inches long. I had a c-section and Toby was right by my side the entire time. Our doctors and nurses and all the staff at Kapiolani Hospital were amazing and made our birth experience wonderful. Toby cut both of the umbilical cords and attended to the girls while they were weighed and cleaned up. After 3 nights in the hospital, we were discharged to come home on Halloween. It's been a great 4 days and we are learning a lot. The nights are difficult for us as we have to wake up every 2 -3 hours to feed the girls---feeding 2 is a lot of work! Toby and I are surviving on little naps throughout the day and lots of help from our moms. Lucy and Leia were introduced to their new little sisters and so far, they are doing great. The girls sleep a lot in between feedings, which is giving us time to get everything organized around the house. We'll keep updating this blog with their progress so continue to check back. Here are some of their first photos:

Our first meeting with Maddie
The proud daddy holds his new daughters - only minutes old.

Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Sandy with Maddie

Maddie and Katie posing in their little premie outfits

Our new family - we just got home! The girls in thier Halloween outfits.