09 Jul 2012
by The Howard Family
in Uncategorized
Tags: 2 year old twins, 5 year old, adoption, American Idol, Babies, birthday, ethiopia, Ethiopian Twins, Family, Hollywood, Home, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Lopez Adoption, JLo Spot, Kindred, Kirk Jones, Marriage, orphan, relationship, twins, TWINS Magazine, What to Expect, What to Expect When You're Expecting Movie
My sweet Carson turned 5 today. FIVE. Where does the time go?!?!?! It is so hard to start “letting go…..” he starts KINDERGARTEN this year 
Ugh. Although, I have to say he has promised me that he will NEVER marry. Really. He wants to live with me forever. When I asked why he doesn’t want to get married, he said “because I don’t like kissies on the lips.” That’s what he associates marriage with, so I guess Kindred and I have done an ok job, huh? 
Here are a few pics from his big day. My sweet, sweet boy. We love you, sweet Carson!!!
Oh, and check THIS out!! My awesome hubby wrote an article (featuring guess who??) in TWINS Magazine this month…. I thought he did a phenomenal job. Here is the link:
http://www.twinsmagazine.com/html/JU-JY12twinsfinal.html
*He got a little shout on on the front cover, and there we are at the LA premiere in the Table of Contents, with our friend Kirk. Cool, huh??
11 Jun 2012
by The Howard Family
in Uncategorized
Tags: adoption, Caleb, Duggers, ethiopia, Ethiopian Twins, Family, Jennifer Lopez, JLo Spot, Kaleb, Kate Gosselin, Mothers, Multiple Births, orphanage, orphans, Parenting, Reality television, summer, What to Expect, What to Expect When You're Expecting, What to Expect When You're Expecting Movie
Ok. So, I am sure this is not a news flash to anyone, but summer with 5 kids is H.A.R.D. Just sayin’..
I don’t have the hang of this yet, and I am not ashamed to admit it…..we need advice! (Any other somewhat large families out there care to lend some wisdom?!?!)
I thought I had this thing down… Last summer, honestly, was a piece of cake compared to the summer of 2012. The only thing I can figure is now those adorable 12-14 month old twins who could only crawl are now 24 months, and are R.U.N.N.I.N.G. everywhere.. YES, everywhere…..and, I might add—in 2 different directions. Every.Single.Time.(those who have seen us at the pool this summer can attest to this unfortunate fact). Relaxing at the pool?? I think not.
Okay – time for true confessions with Meredith Howard….. I have thought about buying those “leashes” for kids. Haven’t done it, but have sure thought about it…..how far I have fallen. Once a mom of one who thought parents who had their kids on a “leash” needed to be scorned. (yes, how quickly I judged!)….now to TOTALLY understanding (and even beginning to embrace) the need for them. I just don’t know how it is humanly possible for one mommy to keep up with twin toddler boys running in different directions, while keeping an eye on the other 3 (still young, I might add). When Kindred is with us, it is a no-brainer. It’s Man-to-Man Defense. He gets one twin, I get the other. Easy. But, by myself? Ugh. There HAS to be a better way…. (waiting for a response here from Kate Gosselin or the Duggers).
Anyway, as for our big announcement for the summer: The “Big Kids” and I are GARDENERS now! Yes, We have a garden!! Woo-Hoo!! (we have no idea what we’re doing, mind you..but we now call ourselves gardeners). Have you seen the movie, What About Bob? I love that movie. Maybe it’s the psychology major in me, but I love it. It reminds me of the scene where Bob is roped to the pole in the sailboat and gleefully shouts, “I’m a sailor! I’m sailing!!” That’s us…we’re GARDENERS! We’re gardening!!
Here are a few pics of the master gardeners at work this weekend…..enjoy your summer everyone (and please feel free to give me some tips on how to make it through successfully!)
William planting
L-R William, Carson & Emerson
25 May 2012
by The Howard Family
in Uncategorized
Tags: adoption, American Idol, Dr. Aronson, ethiopia, Ethiopian Twins, Fox 5 Atlanta, Heidi Murkoff, Hollywood, Jennifer Lopez, Kaleb, Melissa Fay Greene, orphan, orphanage, WAGA-TV, What to Expect, What to Expect When You're Expecting, WTE
Here is the link to the story done on Fox 5 Atlanta today. (It will air again at noon and 5pm today).
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/18622338/adopted-twins-appear-in-jennifer-lopez-movie
Ok..am I the only one who TOTALLY dislikes seeing themselves in a video, hearing themselves talk , etc?? please tell me I’m not… but, dear Lord, did I actually say “Anywhoo??” Yep. sure did. nice.
I need to get over myself however. Kindred and I fully realize (at least when I am not critiquing myself on TV) that this is NOT about us. This is not about our family. This is not even about Sammy and Asher. We are not Toddlers and Tiaras type of parents (no offense anyone…just not our thing.) We are crazy, sleep-deprived parents of 5 who just want to make a difference in the world. (no pressure, right? Ha!) And, apparently, we are parents who say “Anywhoo” on tv. Sweet.
I thought Tacoma did a great job with the twins’ story. We DO want to get the word out about not only the horrible orphan crisis, but also- and equally as important (if not more so)- the tragedy that befalls so many mommies in developing countries- death during childbirth. It is wrong. It is preventable. It is sad and tragic, and should not be happening as much as it does. And, shame on us if we do not try to speak up for the millions that don’t have a voice….because we have been given a brief window of opportunity to help raise awareness to these incredibly important issues.
So, that said…I just need to get over myself and suck it up. Even if I do say words like “Anywhoo.” Doesn’t matter…what DOES matter is the potential impact our story can have on those who are struggling.
24 May 2012
by The Howard Family
in Uncategorized
Tags: American Idol, ethiopia, Ethiopian Babies, Fox 5 Atlanta, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Lopez Adoption, JLo Spot, Kaleb, Lions Gate Entertainment, Lionsgate, orphan, People Magazine, People.com, Rodrigo Santoro, twins, What to Expect, WTE
Quick post…amidst the craziness of end-of-year school madness…
We were so thrilled to be in a featured in a story on People.com! you can check it out here….apparently, we have “celebrity babies!” (although I am quite sure it is only due to their on-screen celebrity parents…but Sammy & Asher sure are celebrities in our eyes…with or without the movie!!)
http://celebritybabies.people.com/2012/05/23/jennifer-lopez-what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-movie-twins/
Also, we were interviewed by Fox 5 Atlanta today….it is supposed to air tomorrow morning (Friday)…..not sure exactly when, but you can go to their webpage to take a look in the am if you would like http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/
(Kindred & I totally realize-and appreciate- the fact that as a parent none of us have the time to sit in front of a TV screen waiting to see a brief interview, so I will also post a link to the interview once I get it) 
Shout out to our new friends Mike & Tacoma….HEY guys!!
And, lastly….I leave you with a sweet family tree Emerson made me… Honestly, it is a little overwhelming to look at..even for us!…but it is what it is…(and needs some more Estrogen representation, don’t ya think??) 
17 May 2012
by The Howard Family
in Uncategorized
Tags: American Idol, Entertainment Tonight, Ethiopian Twins, Heidi Murkoff, Huffington Post, Jennifer Lopez, JLo Spot, Kaleb, Kirk Jones, Lionsgate, Premiere, Red Carpet, Rodrigo Santoro, What to Expect, What to Expect When You're Expecting, Youtube
Well, we arrived back in Atlanta late last night/early this morning…… Our four year old is “graduating” from preschool this evening, so we wouldn’t miss it for the world…….
Honestly we are still trying to wrap our brains around everything that is happening. The movie premiere in LA was beautiful. The people were amazing. We were humbled. And….the movie itself is awesome. (You WILL cry during the adoption ceremony scene….just a warning. bring tissue. We were on set during the filming of the scene, so had already seen it. Big difference seeing it on the big screen. Let’s just say I was SOBBING….. Great job to our friend, director Kirk Jones. He made it beautiful.)
Entertainment Tonight picked us up to bring us to the premiere, and interviewed us on the way. I have to say, after just watching it, I was humbled (again). They did a beautiful job, and I think it tells the twins’ story beautifully and honorably. We couldn’t ask for more.. Here is a link if you want to check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8koTuWfOuw&feature=share
Also, Kindred wrote a beautiful article on Huffington Post about their story as well. You can see it here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kindred-howard/jennifer-lopez-what-to-expect_b_1469398.html?ref=parents
Okay, okay….I know you want some pics, huh?? Here are a few….I will do another blog post with JUST pics later this evening or tomorrow. We are just so exhausted, (and have to scramble to get ready for a preschooler’s graduation!):), that I don’t have much time right now……
Walking to the Red Carpet
On the Red Carpet with our friend, Kirk Jones (director)
In front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater for Premiere
08 May 2012
by The Howard Family
in Uncategorized
Tags: adoption, American Idol, ethiopia, Heidi Murkoff, Jennifer Lopez, Los Angeles, movie premiere, orphan, Red Carpet, Rodrigo Santoro, What to Expect, What to Expect Movie, WTE
First of all- I have to say that I am sure I looked hilarious yesterday trying to find something appropriate for a night out in LA. I did get advice, asking someone what a “non-famous” person wears to a premiere. Cause, let’s face it…that’s us. Their fashion advice? Wear something you would wear for a night out on the town.
Seriously? Do you have ANY idea what a “night out on the town” consists of when you are an exhausted mommy of 5? Pretty sure it includes either going to a birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese, or a late evening out at a 6 yr. old’s baseball game. And the “night cap?” Usually stumbling into bed utterly exhausted by 10pm…. (And I KNOW all you mommies out there can relate!! )
So, after deep thought, I concluded that no outfit that I would wear to one of our exciting nights on the town would quite be appropriate. So, I dragged myself to the mall. (Am I the only mommy who only goes to the mall once a year, and that involves pictures with Santa??) Well, needless to say, I found some wonderful salespeople at several stores who took pity on me, and helped me out greatly. (Shout out to my new friends at Macy’s, Charlotte Russe, and Frederick’s of Hollywood!!). Yep. Frederick’s of Hollywood. Don’t get too excited though….just went there to get a nice little item that is my new best friend…..let’s just say that it helps hide all of the (many!) imperfections that have come w/ 3 c-sections, and not enough time at the gym. My premiere outfit will look better on me now. Nuff said.
These are the shoes I got. 
Seriously. I look extra hilarious trying to walk in them. (Prayers and good vibes sent my way for Monday evening would be much appreciated) Please God, don’t let me trip and fall at the premiere. Amen.
P.S. The Marietta Daily Journal ran a story on our family today. You can check it out here: http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/18490068/article-Twins-beat-the-odds–hit-the-big-screen-with-Jennifer-Lopez?instance=lead_story_left_column
01 May 2012
Well……it happened. In the last few days, 2 different people stopped my hubby when he was out with the twins and asked if they could have their picture taken with them. (Just the twins- not Kindred. Sorry hun.)
Seriously. I mean, WE know they are awesome and all, but do these people realize that Sammy & Asher still poop in their pants?? They burp at the table (seriously!), throw food across the room, toddle all around our house taking all of our stuff out of EVERY drawer, draw on each other (and our walls!) with permanent marker (again…wish I was joking here) and pee in the bath….. SO Un-Hollywood!! (although, there can probably be a decent argument made that their behavior does resemble a few Hollywood starlets…..but I digress).
Kindred has begun throwing around the idea of charging people for pictures…**totally kidding** however, I think there might be something to that!!
I mean, really……do people realize how incredibly expensive adoption is? If you have adopted, I know you do….if not, it would probably shock you to find out. This could be our opportunity to be financially “stable” with 5 kids! We could finally pay off all of the twins’ medical bills we are still- after a year and a half- paying off!! Yahoo!!
Maybe we could get one of those photo booths and put it on our front lawn. $5 a picture. Or maybe we could get headshots done and have them ”autograph” them with permanent marker…. maybe $10 a pop for those? Love it!
Of course, I am just totally having fun with this….and, truthfully, we are very honored and humbled that people want to meet our sweet boys. Seriously.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed we get invited to the premiere in L.A….(any Lionsgate people out there?? We would love to be there!) We just bought the boys pewter suits for a premiere a friend is putting together in Atlanta the week before the movie opens. Just look at these cool threads….
Can you just imagine how ADORABLE they will look?!?!?! ( I will definitely post pics!!)
Aside
by The Howard Family
28 Apr 2012
Sammy & Asher in the orphanage- we had sent a care package to them at the orphanage- the red/black/white "bumper" was in it, as well as the "My Family & Friends" book in between them...we had filled it with pictures of our family for them to have before we could get to Ethiopia to meet them
Feeling sentimental today….just thinking about our sweet baby boys, and wanting to share a few pictures with you all.
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, and I think that is SO true in this case!! (Actually, I think these pictures might be worth more like 10,000 words….in my humble, unbiased opinion!)
Meeting Asher for the first time....
Meeting Samuel for the first time...
Daddy & Asher- Asher would open his mouth SO wide when we lifted him up....it kept cracking us up!
Mommy & Asher
A Daddy with his Hands Full!
Lastly (at least for today!) the day we took custody of the boys…our daughter Emerson came with us to Ethiopia- here she & I are together- with official custody of the twins for the first time. Christmas Eve 2010
Emerson & I taking custody of the twins in Ethiopia
Aside
by The Howard Family
20 Apr 2012
by The Howard Family
in Uncategorized
Tags: Brittany Robson Photography, Family, Jennifer Lopez, Photos, What to Expect
Well, I have had a few people ask me how the photo shoot went Wed. Well, truthfully- I don’t think it could have started out any worse. Seriously. The guy coming to do the photo shoot was supposed to be at our house at 3:15. He arrived at 2:50. That is TWENTY-FIVE minutes early! And….you just can’t do that to a mommy….much less a mommy of 5!
Seriously- I literally had just gotten out of the shower. Covered only by a towel, I was frantically vacuuming all of the crumbs I suddenly realized were all over the living room rug. Seriously. I was vacuuming with only a towel on and the doorbell rang. Don’t tell anyone, but I think a few bad words went through my head. Twins were still taking their nap. “Bigs” weren’t home from school yet- daddy was on his way to get them. So there was NO ONE else to answer the door. NO ONE BUT ME…. and I couldn’ t run….our front door is ALL GLASS, so I knew he had seen me. Ugh.
The poor guy didn’t know what to do when I opened the door half naked with a frantic, crazed look in my eyes… poor soul. To make everything even MORE perfect, when the big kids got home from school they were tired, hungry and just plain in a bad mood. And, to top it all off, it was Emerson’s 9th birthday. In the midst of all the “fun,” Carson pinched William, William kicked Carson in the face (on purpose), NO ONE wanted to wear the clothes I had picked out for them, and Emerson started crying saying, “This is the worst birthday EVER!!” Great. Seriously, at one point 4 of the 5 were crying. Sammy was scared of the photographer. Asher was the only one happy. I have to say, it was a classic Norman Rockwell moment. The best part was that the photo shoot was for a story a local Atlanta paper is doing about our “inspirational” family. Could it be any more ironic?
After that was over, we went to our dear, sweet, patient friend Brittany’s house for some MORE pics. This time, I brought a bottle of wine. Interestingly enough, this photo shoot was MUCH more enjoyable…(at least for Brittany & I!!)
At the end of the day we got a few good ones, so I guess it was all worth it. Whew!
