Attempting photography...

Since my amazingly talented photographer friend Amber left me for Utah, we were forced to attempt some Halloween pictures on our own.  I have to apologize that our blog has been hijacked by our babies...they're definitely the center of our universe now!

Makett * Tanzen

Tanzen * Makett

Tanzen (wearing a ghost onesie, in case you can't tell...)

Makett

This is why I need a professional photographer...Makett * Tanzen

Makett * Tanzen

Huuuuungry boys!

When hunger strikes, Makett and Tanzen go for the closest thing they can get their mouths on, which is often each other!  We're pretty entertained watching the poor hungry guys as they struggle to suck on each other's elbows or foreheads...

I have a hard time catching them to take pictures, and this is a cell phone pic, so it's obviously not the best quality.  Makett was going to town on Tanzen's head, he left quite a slobber spot.  For some reason the coloring is funky...Tanzen doesn't have a large birthmark or bloody head, it just appears that way.

Meet our candidates!!

Their positions on the issues...

Pacifiers:

Tanzen:  Sucking is an important instinct in babies all over the world and should not be ignored.  I believe that pacifiers should always be available to every infant.  When a pacifier is not available, extreme measures must be taken in seeking out and using alternate sucking  sources.

Makett:  I have a strong record when it comes to alternative pacifiers.  I believe we should seek out and use every available form, such as clothing or limbs.  I've reached across the aisle, and haven't hesitated at redistributing the wealth by using Tanzen's pacifier or head as necessary.

Eating:

Tanzen:  We must be conservative with our food sources, making sure to sip at them at a steady rate.  I recognize it may be necessary to substitute sleep for feedings at times.  My policy to reduce exercise allows me to eat less, as I burn less calories.

Makett:  I am fast and furious in my eating habits.  I believe each feeding should be treated as my last.  I make every effort to consume as much milk in each swallow as possible, even if it means breathing less and spitting up more.  

Parents:

Tanzen: I believe every infant should receive lots of love, cuddles and kisses everyday.  It is my plan to give incentives to my parents in order to receive as much holding as possible.  These incentives include sleeping breaks and no-cry vouchers.

Makett:  My plan also calls for constant cuddling...and of course, feeding!

Baths:

Tanzen: I believe baths are to be treasured and enjoyed, a time for relaxation and reflection on the new found wonders of the world.

Makett:  I  view baths as an unnecessary part of the day.  In a Makett administration, baths would be eliminated and replaced with an additional feeding session.

Crying:

Tanzen:  If we are forced to resort to crying, then we must make a strong display of it.  My cries are strong, loud, and shrill.  I believe consistency is most important, keep up the volume and cry quickly.  This shows our allied parents that I am serious in my quest for a redress of my grievances.

Makett:  Crying is a necessary part of my sleep ritual.  We must be careful not to overuse our cries.  My cry starts off with squeaking, then gradual builds to a strong cry, then decrescendos back to a whimpering squeak.  The process must be repeated three or four times in order for my voice to be heard, then I can fall asleep.

Exercise:

Tanzen: As an infant, I have stood by my stance on minimal movement from when I was in the womb.  Some forms of exercise are necessary, such as sucking, burping, and opening one's eyes to locate food.  However, energy must be conserved, and we must build up strong reserves of sleep.

Makett:  Exercise is of vital importance!  Although the ultrasound techs always called me a maniac, I have held firm to the idea that one should integrate movement into every activity...when sleeping I work my arms out of the swaddling to bat at my face, when getting my diaper changed I make sure to kick my legs and twist as much as possible.  

Holding Hands

The little guys were fussing, Chaci set them down to swaddle them, and they cuddled right up and slept like this for an hour.

Former Wombmates...

We're home, recovery is now beginning!  Thank heavens my parents are here...can't bear to think of them leaving.  The recovery has been much worse than I anticipated, the double whammy of 1 vaginal birth and 1 c-section has been an experience, to say the least.  Thanks everyone for being so patient and understanding.  I hope to see visitors and return phone calls soon!  I'm just posting a couple pics really quick, eventually I'll get around to typing up the whole birth story.  In the meantime, thanks so much for all your support.  We're so blessed!

Makett & Tanzen...still swollen from birth.

 Tanzen & Makett, I can't get over how tiny they are compared to my hand!

Tanzen & Makett (yes, Makett is wearing Tanzen's hat for you very observant people!)

Makett & Tanzen

Makett sleeping, Tanzen winking

Tanzen doesn't want anymore pictures, Makett's just too darn tired to notice!

They are here!!!

 

Tanzen K Fisher, baby A

Vaginal delivery

born 10/5/08 at 5:30 am

5 lbs. 1 oz.

Makett J Fisher, baby B

C-section

born 10/5/08 at 5:47 am

5lbs. 1 oz.

Tanzen's name is a mixture of Brandon and the Dhali Llama'a name, Tenzin. The meaning if upholder of teachings or protector of Dharma (Dharma means up holder of righteousness, justice, law, virtuous ways, duties, and living in accordance with the divine will).

Makett's name, unlike Tanzen's name, his has great significance but less meaning. The meaning comes from a Dinca (Sudanese) word for Yellow Cow. The Significance represent a greater whole and bond we have formed with the Lost Boys of Sudan, boys/men that have changed our lives and filled them with love.  These boys at a young age, between 5-10, left the nest of their families and walked hundreds of miles in hope of a better life, they learned to support one another, to give to one another, and to continue in life despite what was happening around them which was war, death, hunger/starvation, hatred. Hundreds of their friends and families died around them. These boys eventually became refugees in a camp where corruption and hunger was a daily trial.  Despite everything these boys smile, love, and touch the lives of everyone they come across.