Was able to capture Lincoln moving around this afternoon. I love the part where he sticks his fanny out as if to say "Kiss it Mommy, I am trying to take a rest so that I have all the energy I need to keep you awake all night after my big arrival!"

Its already obvious, these two are going to be the cutest kids the world has ever seen!

A little kindness goes a long way...

...especially when its food for a pregnant lady!

Throughout the last 8 months Ryan and I have been rather amazed that I haven't had the cravings so often associated with pregnancy. I do enjoy my ice cream and a few other foods but nothing out of the ordinary for me, and if its not in the house then I don't eat it. Much to Ryan's delight, there have been no midnight runs to fast food or the grocery store for unusual items.

However, last Friday after Ryan got home from work we fell asleep while talking on the guest bed. About an hour into a wonderful nap I shot up, literally, and told Ryan that I needed chicken fajitas. Random, I know. Ryan, in true form, suggested I finish taking my nap and that we would discuss fajitas when we were done sleeping. Big big mistake my friend. I cant tell you where this rage came from, especially considering I was still half asleep, but I started yelling at poor Ryan something to the effect that if he didn't get up and get me chicken fajitas the results of his decision would be devastating. Poor poor Ryan...At least he was smart enough to hop too and I was enjoying chicken fajitas and a virgin margarita by the end of the hour. Thank God Ryan moves fast!

Yesterday I had a similar situation. I woke up around 11am, after taking Benedryl the night before for allergies, and the first thing I could think about was crab rangoon from the Chinese restaurant. I jumped on the computer, got the phone number and was dialing before I had even gotten out of bed. I was possessed, I was out of control, I was...in all honesty, a little disgusted with myself! Now I am at a point in which if it were socially acceptable I would have literally, LITERALLY, ordered 4 orders of crab rangoon for lunch with nothing else. The somewhat sensible side of me knew I would regret this and I had compromised that a good solution would be crab rangoon and sweet and sour chicken.

When the employee at the restaurant answered the phone I started to get a little bit of a high...it was pathetic. I asked, while trying to hide my excitement, for crab rangoon and almost cried when he told me that they were out of cream cheese, one of the main ingredients. He then asked "Did you really want them?" to which I replied "I am 8 months pregnant with twins and woke up thinking about them, so yes!!" What happened next made my day. He starts telling someone "you have to go to the store, theres a lady pregnant with twins and she needs crab rangoon." He was telling everyone, it was hysterical! I was one of those moments when you wonder why in the world someone cares so much...but I wasn't about to question something that could, ultimately, result in crab rangoon! With that, he told me he would see what he could do so I placed the rest of my order and hung up.

You could only imagine my surprise when, 10 minutes later, my phone rang. When I answered I was asked "Is this the lady pregnant with twins?" in that all too familiar accent. When I confirmed that it was, indeed, the lady pregnant with twins he told me that they got the cream cheese and that they were sending me free crab rangoon. I couldn't believe it. It was one of those moments when I found myself trying to identify the motivation behind a strangers kindness. There was none.

Its amazing how sweet a stranger can be. I made sure to dig out a 'Thank you' card and express my thanks to the employees of Chinese Garden which delighted the delivery man. I would say the event liftedevery ones spirits. Its one of those stories I will think about every time I eat Chinese or someone goes out of their way to make sure I have bright spot in my day. I will definitely be sharing this story with Lincoln and McCann when they are old enough to understand how important it is to be kind to everyone because you never know what kind of day they might be having.

Thanks Chinese Garden Employees!

Trying to catch two boys in the act...

...is rather hard. I doubt this a sign of things to come! Lincoln and Mac are moving non stop these days. We mainly are entertained by their fannies and heads pushing out. Occasionally we get a hand or foot sticking out so far you could almost grab it. These boys are so comical and entertaining already that I cant wait to see what their personalities are like when they arrive.

We have a room ready for boys!

We have completed the boys room and I have to say, its so simple but the most relaxing space I have ever been in. Hopefully Lincoln and Mac will find it just as soothing and pass out the moment their fannies hit the cribs...wishful thinking I know. I am really looking forward to relaxing in the chair spending one on one time with each of them. Ryan and I are just so thrilled to be having these two precious little monsters and cant wait to meet them!

Exploring Our New Environment

Ryan and I have been home nursing our allergies since Thursday night and decided to get out today and explore Whiskey Island, the park on Lake Erie, a few blocks from our house. The wind was blowing like crazy and we were freezing but we had a great time. We are looking forward to enjoying the beach and lake walk once the boys arrive. Here are some photos and very windy video!

Advice To Last A Life Time

At my Babies Shower in February my sisters and mother asked guests to write 'Advice for the Mom-to-be.' Some of the advice was very entertaining and some heartfelt, all of it was priceless...as I am learning, advice from mothers and the folks that love me is so valuable. I think its interesting that parents to be gave a great deal of practical advice (buy Desitin, buy dark furniture, plan date nights) mixed with ways to love, teach and nurture Lincoln and Mac and mostly to capture the fleeting moments, as the general consensus is that I will fall asleep when they are infants and wake up in time to send them off to college. The younger kids, the ones I have baby sat since they were infants and are now enjoying their teenage years, focused on having fun and not doing what their mothers do. Perhaps the advice that stands out most, ironically, is from my 3 year old niece who simply stated "give Linc and Mac lots of hugs and kisses" and my sister Carrie (who currently has no children) who suggested that I listen to my children.

We had a blast reading them all at the end of the night and, although I haven't had a chance to post them, I have wanted to share the advice with you all for some time!

Enjoy, I sure did:

"Always follow your heart. Enjoy snuggle time. Shower the boys with endless hugs and kisses" Auntie Tara

"Never forget the power of listening - Listen to your hear, listen to your head...but most importantly: Listen to your children" Auntie Carrie

"Dont cry till you know if you are hurt - and when your day cant get any worse - remember - if Aunt Mary can do it so can you" (My Aunt Mary had 11 children!) My Mom, Becky Holligan

"Always love and cherish your children. Take advantage of their youth and enjoy every moment. They grow up so fast. If they are anything like you it will be simple to take this advice" My Dad, Fred Holligan

"Never let the little things (boys) get you down. Some day they will frow up to be big things (young adults), but with lots of love and nurturing I am sure we will all be very proud of them" Gramma

"If you feel upset or stressed out just talk to us (sisters, family, etc...) We are always here for you!! I know you are gonna be a great mother! Believe yourself" Auntie Naoko

"Enjoy - Enjoy. First, be the mom and dad and do not forget to be a friend also" Aunt Lisa

"Dont set up Mac or Lincoln with any one. Unlike my mom and Mrs Morris. You'll be a great mom Meg!" Amy Fredette

"Play that 'pregnancy card' as my as as often as you can!! Train Ryan well and your life will be as easy as mine! LOL!! Treasure each moment, Megs - it goes by way to quickly. Dont worry - no matter what mistakes you make when they're infants wont be remembered and held against you!" Mrs. Fredette

"Take time to treasure each moment, to forgive yourself whenever you think you may not be a perfect mom, to nuture your marriage, and to just love your kids and know you are loved always" Gail Landsman

"Enjoy and love them everyday. You will be a great mom and just do what your mom did (she is great too)" Joyce Bettinger

"Dont be like Jocey and let your kids go out and party! HaHa, you'll be a great mom! Megan Bettinger

"Start picking out dark furniture" Mary Lou Morris

"Dont hesitate to ask for help. Take time for yourself - even if it is just to read a page of a book or return an email. SMILE...SOMEONE WILL SMILE BACK" Aunt Chris

"Enjoy and love always and dont forget to stay cool" Aunt Maryanne

"The house work will always be there and you can do dishes for the rest of your life. You wont always be able to fit those tiny little babies in your arms. They grow fast. Enjoy every minute" Michelle Burek

"You can never love the boys too much" Liz Holligan

"Make sure you make it a point to have a "date night" at least once a month. Dont sweat the small stuff. Always consider the age - this is a long tern teaching opportunity. Buy desitin ointment" Sally Lesveque

"Take a deep breath, take time to yourself and dont ever forget to flash your beautiful smile" Amanda Hooker

"Always trust your instincts" karen Loura

"Have fun!" DJ Reinhardt

"Give Linc and Mac lots of hugs and kisses!" Willow Holligan

Following is the advice I received in email format from my cousin Anna and her daughter Sarah (4 years old). Bold text is from Sarah, Italic text is supplemented by Anna. I found this to be so entertaining and very helpful.

1. Play blocks and board games with the babies - Take time to play with your kids, your husband, and your friends. Being a mom is the toughest and most rewarding job you will ever have. The housework can wait...who's coming over today...no one...so enjoy some down time.

2. Feed the babies - If the "boob" doesn't work...discontinue immediately and head straight for the bottle! Everyone will appreciate it.

3. Get a puppy like Joey Bean - If you have pets now, I'm sorry to say, you will soon live up to the saying in "Lady and the Tramp"..."When a baby moves in, a dog moves out"...your pet wont be king of the house anymore, but try to relax...don't worry so much about pet hair on the baby, barking waking the baby, or dog slobber on the baby...Sarah talks about Levi nearly every day...we were blessed to have such a wonderful dog that was great with kids.

4. Give the babies five toys - Apparently she hasn't looked around this house to see toys from one end of the house to the other, but what a great concept! Kill anyone that gives your kids the "walk behind popcorn toy", anything with Elmo talking, or Dr. Seuss

5. Name the babies, "Hungry Hungry Herbivore" & "I Don't Know" - Okay I think Linc and Mac are great, but if you change your mind you have some alternatives

6. Take care of the babies - But don't overdo it...Your babies will not remember if you skip their bath time so you can take a shower, don't have their nursery completed before their arrival, or even let them cry it out a little...ALWAYS remember...when your baby cries, you will think that it is the loudest sound on earth and that the whole grocery store can hear it, your face will get flush and you will feel like leaving your cart full of groceries and head for your car....but to the rest of us...that is one of the most beautiful sounds...taking us back to the time when out baby was that little and wondering why we every thought that it was so loud!

7. Get a babysitter so mom can have a break - This is the one that will be so difficult. You will wish everyday that you lived near your mom and sisters. Leaving your baby in the hands of someone else is terrifying, but you will know when you have the best one...that's what "Motherly Instincts" are...Moms need and deserve breaks...take them...it will make you a better mom

8. Play music and dance - What a great way to get in shape and put a smile on every ones faces...and pooping out the little ones so you can ALL take a nap.

9. Give both babies a bath, so one doesn't crawl away - Kids get dirty, but making time for a bath one a daily basis is a little much...every other day baths with a good cleanup on the off days allows you time to get cleaned up...take a look at yourself you have spit-up in your hair, your arm pits stink, and your wearing the same clothes from three days ago...take a shower, the babies will be fine...also remember that bath time doesn't have to be at bedtime...aren't you now exhausted and looking forward to quiet time...give them a bath at nap time instead...its half way through the day so you still have a little energy left to enjoy your time with them...its also a great time to make yourself feel like you've spent time with your kids and not cleaning up messes all day...put down the IPhone and read to them, teach them colors and shapes, sing the alphabet while you brush their teeth.

10. Change diapers and show dad how to do it - Your husband or anyone else for that matter, will probably never change a diaper as well as you do...that is why you are the mom...your moves are deliberate and calculated...knowing exactly when to apply diaper rash cream to avoid the "bleeding heinie butt cheeks syndrome" (I highly recommend "Butt Paste", works like a charm)...mastering the technique of folding and securing the diaper to reduce blow outs...and cleaning up the last but of poop with the minimum number of wipes. Let HIM do it, you may have an occasional sore heinie, permanently stained clothes from poop blowing out of thier diaper and up to their hair line, down a box of wipes with one changing, and yet another unplanned trip to the store with two screaming babies and no room in the cart for the items you need. Meg - SHIT HAPPENS - Let him clean it up too.

Macadoodle Enjoying The Lime Light

April 15, 2010. I had my weekly doctors appointment today and, as always, we had no idea what we were in store for. The night before, Ryan and I sat up late talking about what to expect: The boys weight, heart rate, cervix length and most importantly....How much longer I could manage (with Ryans help!) to keep the boys inside!

Two weeks before, Linc had weighed in at 3lbs, 3 oz and Mac was in the lead at 3lbs, 4oz. Ryan and I were optimistically hopefully that each of the boys would have gained at least half a pound. We were also hopeful that Macadoodle would be in a position that would allow the US tech to get a 3D picture of him, especially since we have been showing off Lincs handsome pictures for a few weeks now.

You can only imagine my surprise when the US tech reported that our little Linc was weighing in at a crazy, nuts 4lbs, 7oz and Mac was 4lbs, 3oz. I was thrilled to hear their sweet hearts beating away at appropriate rates and that my cervix was holding at 1cm and, although it should be 3.5cm, at this point we are happy that its even measuring! Amazingly, after multiple attempts, the US Tech was able to get two good pictures of Mac, which I am so very proud to show off to you all.

We are very surprised by how much he looks like Linc - What do you think?

Just about 30 Weeks

29 weeks repulsive...uh, umm....Pregnant. Its a good thing for Carrie I fear her wrath or this wouldnt be posted!

This picture reminds me of a few things:

1. Linc and Mac better love me like crazy

2. Carrie better find this worthy enough to not lock me in her guest room, although I think it might be fun fun fun!

3. "In the right corner, weighing in at more than she cares to share and constantly winded...Meghan Holligan (imagine the "Meghan Holligan" in Oprahs announcer voice)"

One Blanket Down, One More To Go!

Growing up in Upstate New York I spent my summers in the Adirondack Mountains, hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, exploring and boating. Folks that spend time in the Adirondacks understand and love the quiet wilderness and feel a strong longing to return. There is something about the Adirondack dark that improves the quality of any campfire and the fresh mountain spring lakes seem to feed the soul - especially when when dunking with ones you love.

When Ryan and I met he instantly understood my love for the Adirondacks and the memories made there over the years, but never having been there he could not truly appreciate my love for the Adirondacks. However, in August 2008 Ryans first trip to the Adirondacks changed all this as he repeatedly jumped off the dock into the fresh water and swam to and from the island, kayaked to and from the waterfall repeatedly and enjoyed s'mores around the campfire, napped in the hammock, threw the football with our nephew Manny for hours and of course enjoyed the comedy of the weekly square dances in which Carrie and I love acting like the village idiots...It was official, Ryan was a 'Dacker!



Ryan in Newcomb, New York on our way to the Vanderbilt Great Camp


Ryan and I in Newcomb, New York

Carrie, my Mom and I at Schroon Lake

Ryan, Gram Bea, Pa, Lizzie, Manny and Willow at the Square Dance at Schroon Lake

View from Vanderbilt Great Camp

Sleep over with Manny, one of our favorite favorite things about being at camp!

Sitting around the camp fire

Ryan and I relaxing on Palmer Pond













As you can see, spending time in the Adirondacks with our family is something that we look forward to all year and greatly enjoy.

When it came time to decide on a theme for Mac and Lincolns bedroom it was obvious, to me, that the room would be completed with items that remind us of the tranquility and peace of the Adirondack Mountains. Although it took a little convincing to get Ryan to move away from the car theme idea he has grown to love the mountain bliss we have recreated in the little ones bedroom. Thanks to Grandma Whitney, I was able to design the boys blankets to capture the Adirondack wilderness and although I had plans to create, from scratch, home made quilts for the boys bed rest changed my plans. Instead of making a quilt I made a blanket using the designs from Grandma Whitney.

As the title of the post notes, I have one more to go, but I wanted to show you all Macs blanket.



It was important to include a loon in the boys room because every summer there are loons on Palmer Pond. My father and I really enjoy paddling around in the canoe following the loons



If you have ever been to the Adirondacks in the fall you understand the leaves...the most beautiful sight you could ever see is an Adirondack Autumn




A cardinal was a must because my Great Grammie Wright loved cardinals. To this day sighting a cardinal reminds us all of how sweet Grammie Wright was and that she is still with us.








The bear was a must. Along with the moose that will be the center of Lincolns blanket I have spent the last 29 years on a never ending bear and moose sighting. Hopefully, Linc and Mac will be better at sighting these magnificent animals than I am.




The cabin was a lucky find Grandma Whitney came across, thinking it was the perfect addition, I had to add it to the blanket - Its perfect and brings the theme together!





Viola, the finished product (with Linc and Mac making a slight appearance - My arms aren't long enough to get the shot without the belly intruding!)

Lincolns blanket will have different pictures and I will post pictures of his blanket when I complete it. It will be a while since I can only work on it a few minutes a day.

Last Easter without the Easter Bunny

Ryan and I enjoyed our last Easter just the two of us and, at the insistence of my sister, I am sharing a few pictures.




Text message from Auntie Carrie: "You should post your Easter picture too. Everyone needs to see how cute you are!" she also had another crazy idea "If it weren't so painful I would want you to be pregnant forever"



Daddy sporting his handsome smile!

Per Carries Request

As you all know I am not a meal eater. I much prefer to make dinner out of a head of broccoli and a couple slices of cheese, or breakfast of strawberries, some cheerios and a glass of soy milk. However, consuming the nutrients needed to grow these two boys has resulted in a more balanced and, dare I say, adult like diet. One of my favorites, which is limited during pregnancy, is salmon. Ryan brought me some the other day and, with a strong desire to get off the couch for more than a bathroom trip, I decided to get creative. My creativity resulted in an amazing meal. Ryan, who does not eat fish, tomato's or brussel sprouts was unable to confirm this so I showed the picture off to my sister who insisted I post the very simple recipe on the blog. I am not a recipe girl so excuse the format...I will try my hardest to make it useful. Here we go:

Salmon:

Cover salmon with your favorite seasoning and lemon slices.

Wrap salmon in foil and place on pan (the water/juice in the salmon will steam it)

Cook on medium low until salmon reaches desired consistency (I prefer medium-well)

Tomato and Brussel Sprout Salad with Cheese:

Steam brussel sprouts

Cut brussel sprouts into quarters and place in pan on medium heat

Cut one medium size tomato into bite size pieces and place in pan with sprouts

Heat for approximately 3 minutes

Season lightly with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning

Sprinkle with cheese (I used Colby but I am sure it would taste great with whatever you

have available) and keep in pan until cheese is melted