In Memory of Max

It was a very sad night for our family last night. We had to put our family dog, Max to sleep. We've had Max since he was a puppy. He was getting ready to turn 5 in October. Max apparently did something to his back that caused him to become paralyzed from the middle of the back all the way down. There was nothing the Vet could do. So the kids have been telling Max stories and looking at photos remembering all the good times with him.

This is Max dressed and ready for Halloween. He definitely was the perfect pirate.

Max was always willing to give as many kisses as he could. He loved the kids and always wanted to be right in the middle of whatever they were doing.

Who could forget Molly, the sister he never wanted. As you can see the bed was not big enough for both of them but neither would give up their area of the bed.

Farewell our beloved Max, we'll miss you and think of you often.
You were the perfect dog for us.

What a journey so far....

It all began at 24 weeks of pregnancy when I was put on hospital bedrest then after those two weeks of bed rest in the hospital and they finally let me go home on May 8th but still on strict bed rest. I did everything I was supposed to which was NOTHING. On May 19th I felt a little fluid leaking but really thought nothing of it but I called the doctor anyway and of course they said get back to the hospital. They ran 4 tests on me and two showed my amniotic fluid and two didn't. So they weren't real sure so they admitted me for 24 hour observation. During the night I got the "gush" of water and there was no doubt at that time I would be there until I delivered. They were pretty sure it was only one bag that had broken and they were predicting it was Colby.

My doctor told me to stay in bed and hopefully we could get another couple of weeks for the boys as I was only 28 weeks at that time. So my plan was to make it to 30 weeks, I guess I just forgot to tell the boys the plan.

On Sunday May 21st, Pat, Natalie and Sean had been up to visit for the afternoon along with a few friends and they had all left for the night. I had decided to just watch a movie when two of our other friends stopped by for a visit. It was about 6:55 pm when I thought I had a contraction but I wasn't sure so I didn't say anything. At 7:00pm I had another one so I buzzed my nurse and asked her to hook me up to the machine that tracks their heart rates and my contractions. She told me I didn't need that but I continued to have another contraction. I told her I really wanted the machine and she left the room. She brought back a piece of paper and told me to just count the contractions over the next hour. I couldn't believe she was telling me this. I asked her, "are you serious, I am 28 weeks pregnant with twins, 2 cm dilated, 100% effaced, my water had broken and you want me to do tick marks for an hour"? She said yes, so we asked her if that was my doctor's orders or hers and of course she said the doctors. I also told her in an hour I could be in full labor or have delivered....to that she answered, "honey is doesn't work like that".

So I asked to see the charge nurse. I guess the two nurses were out discussing this situation when a doctor who was not mine came in and said she wanted to do an exam. She did the exam and immediately said "we have a cord, call the OR stat". Needless to say I was very upset especially because Pat wasn't there. They got me ready for transport in a couple of minutes and the time was 7:35pm. The doctor rode on my bed with me holding Colby's head off the cord. It was just like on TV they were running down the hallway to get me to the OR. Once in the OR, it was crazy. They were trying to move me to the operating table while she still held the head, they were running around shouting things and all I could do was cry. They put the sheets up, mask on my face, strapped my arms and legs down and poured the dye over my belly. I heard the Dr. say she was ready to cut but I was wide awake and the anesthesiologist said, wait we have the line in but not the meds. The last thing I thought was "God help me" and I was out.

Our little angels, Colby Gregson O'Leary 2.5 lbs and 14.5 inches long and Austin Thomas O'Leary 2.13 lbs and 15 3/4 inches long were born at 7:52 at 28.6 weeks gestation. They got both of them out within a minute. Our little Colby would not be here if it weren't for that doctor who decided to just do an exam. Pat was 10 minutes out from the hospital when he got the call from our friend that he was a daddy. Recovery was very hard for me because they had not given me anything for pain. They gave me enough medicine to put to sleep so I wouldn't remember what happened. Needless to say they could not get the morphine started quick enough. Pat, Natalie and Sean got to see the boys about an hour after they were born. I was taken by bed into the NICU but I don't remember that trip.

The next morning I was ready to see my boys but was a bit scared to see them as well. They were so tiny and seemed so fragile. They were stable and were not having many issues at that time. On May 26th I was discharged from the hospital and what a sad feeling to leave and leave both Colby and Austin there. It was heartbreaking but I knew they were where they needed to be.

They have been on a roller coaster ride but are still stable. We spend every minute possible up there with them. We can't wait for the day we get to bring them home. Our prediction is the end of July or beginning of Aug. Though our boys are fighters so it could be even earlier. Well I hope to be able to keep this updated as we continue our journey.

We thank all of you for your support, prayers and best wishes.
Pat and Alexa and family

28 weeks and still pregnant....Praise God

What a blessing for us to still be pregnant at 28 weeks. We have now reached that goal and our next one is 30 weeks. The boys are doing great and moving constantly. It's so funny because they are both on my right side so my tummy is so whopsided. We had two doctor appointments last week and both doctors were very pleased to see me still pregnant. My original doctor called me the miracle woman and reminded me someone above loves me very much. I couldn't agree more. As you can see Sean thinks it's so funny to see my tummy get so big and to feel his brothers kicking.

Today is Mother's day and the boys gave me a special photo of them at the point when we thought I was going to deliver. The note on the back told me they won't try to surprise me anymore but will wait until the time is right to meet me.

Grandpa John came to visit for 5 days and it sure was good to see him. I think he really believes I am pregnant now that he has seen my belly for himself.

We have two more doctor appointments this week so I'll be sure to update as we go along. Please continue to pray for our family and once again we thank you for your support, love and prayers. Yep, I did get to sit outside with everyone for a few minutes and it was wonderful. I look forward to having my lil boys outside one day.

Alexa and Pat

From the hospital

Well what a scare we had about two weeks ago. For those who don't know our lil boys tried to enter the world way too early. I was taken to my hospital for a check up and thought nothing about it. In fact I even told Pat he didn't have to meet me there but thank goodness he did. I was in labor and had contractions for two hours but never felt them. Once I started feeling them I was dilating and my doctor decided to send me by ambulance to the University of Utah because the babies were so premature and that is the best NICU. They were able to stop the contractions and I remained at the hospital until yesterday. I am home now on strict bedrest until the babies get much older and bigger.



I am 27 weeks and 1 day today and each day counts. Our next goal is 28 weeks which will be Monday. I will continue to be monitored by the University of Utah as well as my doctor as St. Marks. I gained 3 lbs last week for a total of 26 pounds so far. Hopefully the boys are putting on some weight as well. I am more than willing to share this weight with them.



Pat is doing good and trying his best to be in all places at all times. He is a good nurse but I have to say Carla and Jen have been true life savors for us. In fact I think the hospital wants to hire Carla. I got to see Natalie and Sean at the hospital and they were so loving and concerned. I think it did them a lot of good to come for a visit. Sean was so funny he would snuggle up next to me in bed and just rub my belly and talk to the boys. They are both very excited for the babies to come but they definitely want to wait a while. The nursery is pretty much ready in case things change, I just don't Pat and I would be emotionally ready.


We truly appreciate all the support from our family, friends, church and co-workers. It has definitely helped these past two weeks.

All our love
Alexa and Pat

O'Leary Family

O'Leary Family

Hey everyone!

All is well here in Utah. The kids are on spring break this week in Idaho and Wyoming. From what they say they aren't doing much but I hope they are at least resting and getting ready for the rest of the school year.

Speaking of school year, mine is coming to a close. I give finals next week and graduation and commissioning ceremonies are the 28th. Next week will be busy for me with sitting on three senior thesis defense committees and grading finals and posting grades. My students have all done well and are ready to move on to the future. Some will go active duty Army and some will stay National Guard. I am very proud of all of them.

I just have to tell you about Natalie's play. She was wonderful. There is no way at 12 I would have gotten up on stage and performed like that. Pat and I had tears in our eyes during the whole play out of pure proudness. Ok not sure that is really a word but sounds good to me. Of course Annie is a musical so she had lots of singing to do and has such a beautiful voice. She loves drama and is already talking about trying out for Jr. High drama next year. I can't believe she is moving into Jr. High next year. She'll be in the 7th and is she is just growing up too fast. If I can ever figure out how to attach photos to my updates I'll attach a photo of Natalie as Annie. She has had one soccer game but Pat and I didn't know about it so hopefully we'll be able to see her at her next one.

Sean is still Sean. Sweet as can be and loves the spring weather we are finally starting to get. He played outside last weekend until 8:30pm and couldn't understand why he had to come in then. He even got a little sunburned. He loves playing outside whether it's sports, riding his bike, jumping on the trampoline. Heck, we even had him helping work in the yard a little. Once we get ready to plant flowers he is my hole digger. I just put a X where I want him to dig and he goes to town. He is growing up quick too and his math and reading would totally impress you.

Lyndsey is still thrilled about cheerleading and is going off to cheerleading camp this summer. It's only about 2 hrs north of here but that will be big time for her. She did come last weekend and had a nice time. Not saying everything went smoothly but for the most part it did.

Pat is busy, busy, busy. He should close on this first house next week. I am so proud of him. He would want me to type that if you know anyone getting ready to move anywhere that wants to buy or rent send him their name and number. He is part of a referral program and can help anyone, anywhere find a good agent to help them get settled. There, that's my sale pitch for today.

The boys are doing great and really learning to kick these days. Pat says they are practicing their football moves, which is fine I just wish they didn't have to do it at 2:30 AM. I go for another doctor appointment the 20th and the next week we'll have another ultrasound done. I feel pretty good these days but I can tell I can't go and do like I use too. I get tired way too easy and out of breath on one flight of stairs. I've gained about 22 lbs but it seems to be all baby. (isn't that what all women say).

Pat and I have been super busy in our nursery. We have both beds up, the glider and dresser are in place and we are just waiting on the chest to come in. I am going to do some painting on the walls but I want all the furniture in place first. I thought I had everything set up the way I wanted it until last night and we rearranged the whole room again and now I like it even better. The room just fills up quick with double the stuff.

We have my military ball tonight at BYU, and I wish I could get excited about it but I can't. It's just one of those nights we have to endure for the job. We'll be lucky if they serve us something other than water. You can bet there won't be ANY caffeine and all the girls have to wear modest formals, which means they must have some sort of sleeve. It's just too funny.

Well, we hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend and stay away from the brown eggs in the yard as Sean would say, they are not the ones you want in your basket.

Blessings~

Alexa, Pat and family

O'Leary Family

O'Leary Family

Greetings!

Well just a quick family update.

All is going very well in Utah these days. We actually have a taste of spring in the air. Pat has officially out processed the Army and is busy starting with Century 21 at the Rockies here in Utah. He listed his first house and has contracted to sell it. They should go to closing within 1-2 weeks. He's very excited and already looking at contracting possibly two more. I think he'll do extremely well because he's such a people person.

Natalie is performing her play Annie this week. I think I told you she is Annie and is so excited. We will watch her play this Thursday at 6:30 and we can't wait to see her. She is really good especially her solos. She has started playing soccer and had her first game last week. They lost by one goal but she played extremely well. We got her report cards and boy, did she do great. We are very proud of her efforts in school.

Sean recently had his school choir concert and he just sang his little heart out---ok so not really. Boys don't seem as interested in singing as the girls. He did well though. Baseball is getting ready to start this week with practice and he apparently has the best coach in Utah. Ok, so it's Pat but still he will be the best coach in mine and Sean's eyes. Sean is playing machine pitch and loves to play all positions on the field. He and Pat were practicing throwing yesterday and he's gotten so much better, especially is aim.

Lyndsey made cheerleading for the 9th grade team and is very excited. She had try outs about 2 weeks ago and was thrilled to find out she made the cut. Lyndsey came over yesterday along with Natalie and Sean and she was just like her old self. She seemed happy and glad to be with us.

Pat took Natalie and Sean snow skiing and snowboarding two weekends ago and Pat says they are getting so good. Of course I am not allowed to ski this year so I watch from the ski lodge. As for me and the boys, we are doing great. I am really starting to feel them move and one did a big roll yesterday. It was kind of weird and it just made me laugh. Natalie and Sean are so sweet with my tummy. They always rub it and talk to the babies so they get used to hearing their voices. In fact Natalie was trying to convince the boys to sleep last night so I could sleep.

Pat and I have begun working in the nursery. We have begun to realize that our room is going to fill up quick with 2 beds, glider, dresser etc. The babies will initially start off in the same bed until they start moving around on their own then we'll put them in separate beds. We have decided to do a jungle theme, it's actually called Zanzibar and it's really cute. We have also started registering for items we need and that was funny to see the two of us trying to figure out what we thought we needed. We registered at Babies R Us, Target and Wal-Mart. It was fun looking at all the baby stuff that is available today that was not around when we were kids.

My last day of teaching is coming soon, April 20th is my last day of classes and graduation is the 28th of April. My doctor plans to have me home after that. I am still only at work about 3 hrs a day but I can work from home so that helps my department. The weekend of April 28/29 we are having a young lady named Heather, New York fly in a spend the weekend with us. We are considering her as a live in Nanny to help with the babies once I go back to work. She seems really sweet and our correspondence via phone and email has been great but we would also just like to sit and talk with her. She also lived in Texas for awhile and is a Longhorn fan, so of course Pat is ready to contract her.

Hope all of you are doing well.
The O'Learys (all of us)

O'Leary Family: March 2006

O'Leary Family: March 2006

Happy ST Patrick's Day!!

Of course this is our family's holiday and I hope everyone is wearing some green.

We have some very exciting news to share today as we went for our 19 week ultrasound yesterday and got very good news. Natalie and Sean went with us and got to see everything just as we did. They were amazed that they could see fingers and toes and facial features etc. One baby weighed 11 ounces and measured 19 weeks and 5 days and the other baby weighed 10 ounces and measured 19 weeks 4 days. One heartbeat was 139 and the other 150, leading us to believe one girl and one boy......

Well needless to say they had us fooled. We have two boys! I think I am still in shock but Pat and the kids are so excited. Natalie and Sean have already been discussing what they are going to teach the boys. Natalie is going to teach them to shop for themselves and how to treat girls nice, Sean is going to teach them good aim in the bathroom and sports.

It was so nice to experience that together as a family. Natalie and Sean felt really special being there.

Also, this week we celebrated two big birthdays. Sean turned 8 on Tuesday the 14th and Natalie turned 12 yesterday the 16th. They are growing up so fast I can't believe it. Sean is really into sports and NASCAR right now. His favorite NASCAR driver is Tony Stewart. His birthday party last week was a NASCAR party. He will start playing soccer and baseball in April and is very excited about both.

Natalie, our little sunshine who always has a smile on her face is blossoming every day. She is doing great in school and is even in student council. She is also in drama and the school play this year is Annie and Natalie got the role of Annie. She is doing great with memorizing her lines and solos. Natalie is also still taking tap and therefore taps around the house constantly. She will also start soccer in April and is looking forward to just being a big sister to her two little twin brothers.

Lyndsey is still very carefree and becoming more of a teenager each day. She is into clothes, music and boys. She continues to take jazz and ballet but is currently not interested in any sports.

Pat is still preparing to transition out of the Army and is very excited but nervous at the same time. I will continue to teach Army ROTC after the babies are born. I would like to stay in until June 2007 as long as they don't send me to Iraq. I just don't think I could leave the babies behind for a year.