Is this it?!

I’m sitting in the Randall Children’s hospital. My identical twin daughters we born about 26 hours ago via c-section surgery after a 32 week pregnancy. They are momo twins. (1 placenta, 1 sac – basically doing backstroke around each other in the uterus)

My first few observations and feelings.

– They are small. Like baby doll small.
– They are fragile and red – vulnerable little buggers
– When I look at them, I can’t believe I had a small role in making them about 32 or so weeks ago.
– Feeling supported by family, friends and acquaintances…lots of folks helping and sending good vibes to us.
– Feeling happy they are out and alive (versus being inside which has inherent risks of being in 1 sac)
– Feeling unsure about their future…they are on breathing support and premature. I’m hoping the decisions we made, work out good for their long-term health.
– Feeling emotional when I look at them. They are small and precious. (3.5 lbs and 4 lbs.)
– Can’t wait to travel with them. Today’s BootsnAll article is Girl’s guide to Indie – perfect for them!

I love challenges and am in the middle of a huge one right now. For at least a month, I get to experience what it is like to be a Single Father. (my wife is living at the hospital for a month to monitor our identical twin girls that are coming)

Overall, I am injoying the challenge.

The adjustment period for the first week was difficult.

I am more open to people’s offer to “help”. Even when it’s something little. (can I take out your garbage?)

I spend a lot more time with Kai. This is fun. I am learning from him. I am tired at the end of the day.

I feel lucky to have a wife that takes a monumental challenge.

My work time is not flexible. When I work, I am more focused on “what matters”.

There are joys of being a single parent, but I would say it is not the preferred method for raising a child.

One of our families core values is “Love Learning” – much like BootsnAll.

Brandy is off for 5 days this week to take a course on Montessori teaching. So it is my opportunity to be the lone parent for Kai. I’m excited and injoying the time with him so far. Below is a shot of him and I near Kite Beach, Hood River

About 30+ Keeners will be in Oregon this week and weekend for our every other year reunion. 4 years ago I said I would host it in Oregon. It’s happening and gonna be a lot of fun to connect with family from the East Coast. Welcome to Oregon Keener’s!

Pops enjoying a Cigar after sunday avo barbeque at Mika’s.  Thanks for them buddy.

My cousin Wlotek died yesterday.  He received a heart transplant several weeks ago but it did not work out.  Prayers and best wishes to my cousin’s Jadzia, Magda, Babcia, and Karol.

My best memories of Wlotek are from 1996.  I spent about 2 months in Poland living with Babcia and Jadzia, Magda, and Wlotek lived a few blocks away.  Wlotek couldn’t speak English and I couldn’t speak Polish…but we still got along great.  He was a very giving man and quick with a smile as I knew him.  One day, he took off a work and we took the bus to the outskirts of Warsaw and went fishing.  He loved fishing.  We sat around fishing, sort of talking, and eating sandwiches.

He also took me to a Nuclear Power Plant that he worked at for the day.  I remember walking above the reactor and wondering if this this created juice for some of the A-bombs that were pointed at us during the cold war…it was a kewl experience.

I am super sad to hear this news.  Jadzia is Wlotek’s wife and I know she is huring bigtime.  She is young and vivacious – so I think it hits her especially hard.  Peace and cousin love is coming out to them and if you are into vibes/prayers and stuff.  Say/send some along to Warsaw.

My cousin Wlotek got a heart transplant today. Here’s hoping, praying, vibing or whatever folks do so that the new ticker takes root.

Come on buddy!

It fixed tumors in the brain.

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