tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154275032011-10-27T16:41:30.827-05:00Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comBlogger661100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-61455335755997844232011-01-28T12:48:00.000-05:002011-01-28T12:48:30.184-05:00

Please visit http://organichaus.com for current, as well as archived posts.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-62936939209223293982010-06-07T23:27:00.001-05:002010-06-07T23:27:04.945-05:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #CCC; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Sangi is so happy to have that long hair out of her face and out of her food. Monica and Sangi both got their hair done this week. We wend to the Alice Awards in Portland and had a grand time. Thanks BTA for all the hard work.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-79610048299633734082010-04-26T23:53:00.000-05:002010-04-26T23:53:32.331-05:00

Ok, it has been a while sense we wrote. I just decided that I'll be chronicling our growing season this year as we now have tons of garden space. I'm sure I'll write on other topics too. 2010 Update. All is well here in Eugene. Monica and I won the Community Garden lottery and we ended up with 2 plots at the end of our street. We just planted lots of things this past weekend including green

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-2165632636173769492009-10-08T00:29:00.001-05:002009-10-08T00:29:51.167-05:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #CCC; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Walk+Bike day at ATA/Family School was a big success yesterday. We had the 4J Superintendent, George Russell, and Mayor Kitty Piercy join the walk from Albertson's over the 18th St. bridge and south through the Westmoreland

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-14814196022075502762009-09-08T14:17:00.001-05:002009-09-08T14:17:50.357-05:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #CCC; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Just this last week - as part of Bike Commute Challenge - we installed a new bike rack in the front yard of Organic Haus. We are also beginning to set up a rain water catchment system with four 55 gallon barrels. And we are

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-7047624608435678332009-09-03T23:27:00.001-05:002009-09-03T23:27:36.204-05:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #CCC; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } We are hosting our second annual CAR FREE Party on September 19th at 6pm and you are invited. We encourage you to come by bike, foot, skateboard or bus, but do not arrive by car. Bring a friend too, or even a few. We will be

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-4312415965101404292009-08-28T17:47:00.003-05:002009-08-28T17:57:46.052-05:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #CCC; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } We are erecting a sign post with lots of destinations&emdash;all reachable by bike. From Florence, OR to New York, NY and from Hope, AK to Missoula, MT. As cross-country bike riders, Monica and I are stoked about being able to

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-89223164919601061502009-06-22T12:48:00.002-05:002009-06-22T12:50:23.447-05:00

Summit JumpingOriginally uploaded by Organic HausOn Father's Day 2009 we rode out of the house around 10am. We rode on two bikes - the Bike Friday Triple with Burley Picalo attached to the back and the Seven Xtracycle with Burley D'Lite attached for kid back-up options. We ended up taking the trailer/stroller all the way to the top of Spencer Butte. We had a TV crew stop us on the climb and

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-56629933949865582692009-05-11T11:13:00.002-05:002009-05-11T11:18:22.450-05:00

Here is a fun 1 pager in the new issue of Momentum magazine. It is about our family and it even has a half page picture of us - one that was taken the morning we had 3 young touring bikers (warmshowers) stay at our place - just after waffles - the kids are still in their pajamas. Take a look at Momentum Magazine. I think this is the best magazine going right now for Bike Culture.http://issuu.com/

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-5401970055020043102009-02-15T19:48:00.001-05:002009-02-15T19:48:52.323-05:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #CCC; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } We are slow to write, but things are going well for us. We have been very busy with things like the Chicken Pox, BMX racing, potty training, birthday dinner, Valentines festivities, the Eugene Bike Summit, lots of freelance

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-23736152028513401402008-12-28T14:30:00.003-05:002009-03-03T18:07:20.431-05:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 0px #CCC; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } We got these license plates for our bikes for Christmas. We will be installing them on our bikes this week. Car free living is working out good. We certainly aren't getting out as much, but we aren't wasting time and money at

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-14882415391809950402008-12-18T14:58:00.001-05:002008-12-18T14:58:48.259-05:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #CCC; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Our kids are getting ready for Christmas break. They hauled a Christmas Tree down off of the hill on the bike trailers (one tied behind the other). We received snow and ice and they've even had the chance to go sledding. We've

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-48434613006391582742008-11-19T10:15:00.001-05:002008-11-19T10:15:57.557-05:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #CCC; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Getting around Eugene on bikes is very nice. We've had a very colorful Fall and the rain has come back but we are still getting more dry days than wet ones.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-34118616427944554322008-07-07T13:07:00.003-05:002008-07-07T14:05:02.371-05:00

Well we've gone and done it. We have officially sold our mini van and do not have a motorized vehicle of any kind. We've not been using it much at all since we moved to Eugene last June. It has been 2+ weeks since we've taken the money and pedaled. We got $1500 our of it. We don't even look at the gas prices any more.We already noticed a bit of a change in our habits. We occasionally used the

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-2502531708909173812008-06-04T22:58:00.001-05:002008-06-04T22:58:24.753-05:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #CCC; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } This is where it all comes together here at the Adkins House. We are commissioning Larry Diskin - formerly of Adventure Cycling Association - to design and build a hanging lamp with bicycle parts and - he should know we'll

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-80814591858575475602008-04-08T22:53:00.005-05:002008-04-09T01:46:19.226-05:00

I learned something big (not quite new because it has be with me for many, many years) about myself recently. In a round about way I learned it from Sanguine. You know, when she was born Paul and I were so happy that she was here. In some deep, in the soul, kind of way we felt that we had been waiting, preparing for her.For me, in my own progressive, faithful, peaceful and righteous way I thought

Monica Adkinsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-46994677118014110552008-01-10T02:26:00.001-05:002008-01-10T02:26:31.175-05:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #CCC; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Happy New Year! All is well here in Eugene. Wet to say the least. Kitchen remodeling, bike advocacy, math and geography fills our days. I'll write more here very soon, but I wanted to get this picture in.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-44311142281074855402007-08-08T09:23:00.001-05:002007-08-08T09:23:50.957-05:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #CCC; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } We've already made a lot of progress here in Eugene. I'm working at Bike Friday and loving it. We've already closed a deal on our new house at 180 North Polk Street. The kids have graduated from there first round of swim

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-40432391432525493702007-08-07T01:06:00.000-05:002007-08-07T03:19:26.765-05:00

Wow, I have some thanking to do. So, you might as well just sit down and take a load off. And if you are in Ithaca or Missoula grab a cold drink while you are at it.As most of you know we departed Ithaca on June 21, 2007. Our send off was fun, light hearted, and supportive. Our well wishers included, Ellen, Kathleen, Chris, Linnie, Charles, Lisa, and Charlie and all the littles that belong to

Monica Adkinsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-72717084876951181762007-06-06T20:20:00.000-05:002007-06-06T22:23:25.290-05:00

It's like we never left the comforts of our home. Our trusty, impossible to kill, 13 year old mini van is parked just so we can see it at every meal. Our clothes hardly seem limited. Our food selection is pretty good, considering I am the cook. The "facilities" are comfortable. We have weathered extreme heat, down pours of rain, and unseasonably cold mornings all without that, "I wish I were

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-51540335261661516252007-05-02T21:13:00.001-05:002007-05-02T21:13:08.214-05:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #CCC; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Here Dare is training for the sled push for the olympics. And Sanguine is training for the face making contest. The weather around here is getting good. The tulips are out, our bike chains are oiled and we are ready for the 5

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-56375705444632956882007-04-20T10:46:00.000-05:002007-04-27T07:11:29.600-05:00

As many of you know, I work at Sunnywood Design Collective. We just completed a project for The Nature Conservancy where we created a carbon calculator that simply helps you determine the size of your carbon footprint. It is a bit different than some of the other calculators out there, in that it is based primarily on your lifestyle choices and your behavior— the things that you can easily change

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-10737080960222310402007-04-03T21:24:00.000-05:002007-04-20T23:25:23.773-05:00

At one time, which already feels like a mini life time ago. I was a head up, shoulders back, chest out, stroller pushing Career woman. I use to walk or ride my 20 year old Sears Roebuck, three speed, (pulling my bigs which were my littles then). I would stop at the magazine shop, pick up my Utne Reader, get myself a latte, stop at Adventure Cycling Association (where Paul worked) and get my fill

Monica Adkinsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-69347123036207018402007-03-25T17:34:00.000-05:002007-04-19T09:30:41.057-05:00

Bicycling has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I've been lucky enough to earn money guiding, instructing, performing, exploring, delivering, racing, repairing, maintaining, designing, selling, and building bicycles. I spent 5 years using my talent as a designer at Adventure Cycling Association in Missoula, Montana inspiring people to travel by bike. Since

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-78348508966451588982007-03-15T19:09:00.000-05:002007-03-15T22:05:16.940-05:00

I found out that I was pregnant, for the third time, by peeing on the stick in the second week of February, 2005. It was a crazy time for us. We were relocating from Montana to "somewhere" in the East. At this point though, we were staying with Paul's parents. It was as comfortable as a set up can get with our family of four sharing Pop's and Mombo's home. O.K. back to the pregnancy. I had bad

Monica Adkinsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-32082788277005390242007-03-11T22:17:00.001-05:002007-03-11T22:17:49.342-05:00

We finally did it and for the first time in 13 years we will trust ourselves. We are saying no to eating out! In most cases Paul and I are fast learners but, for what ever reason, when it comes to dining out we are freakishly, overly hopeful and enthusiastic on what a great time we will have and or how great the food will be.Last night was the night for us. The writing on the wall was loud and

Monica Adkinsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-15154297934332010562007-03-07T23:07:00.000-05:002007-03-07T23:51:41.613-05:00

It's 11:42pm and I am still up. I owe it all to Dare and Sanguine. I started staying up late since they were born. The reason being that when all four children went to bed I wanted to be fully conscious and know how it felt not to have anyone hanging on me (we call it "Lovin' on" or "huggin' on"). Well I have to admit that it's probably not the wisest decision I have ever made, because when 5:

Monica Adkinsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-8562422282299182982007-03-06T23:17:00.000-05:002007-03-06T23:57:50.904-05:00

The switch happened about six weeks ago. Paul and I decided that it was a good time to wean the littles at night. It's hard to believe but I guess I was beginning to show signs of being a bit tired. I hadn't had a full night sleep in more than 18 months. Up until this point my bed time job was to put the littles down the only way there is, to nurse them into oblivion. Too bad though, the trance

Monica Adkinsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-35224150647190901432007-03-06T09:55:00.000-05:002007-03-06T09:57:52.830-05:00

If you are not prepared to shake in you boots then don't go any farther. For everyone out there who thought that I was absorbed by my four children and that I would never resurface again, you're wrong... for now. I am back and standing only a little hunched over. I fought my way out from under mounds of laundry, dirty diapers—times two, reading more than my fair share of Dr. Seuss books, making

Monica Adkinsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1170977290128085592007-02-08T18:26:00.000-05:002007-02-15T08:34:20.433-05:00

See the Gallery

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1162666217704314042006-11-04T13:43:00.000-05:002006-11-04T14:54:31.766-05:00

Snack TimeGreetings all. We are slow to update our blog and gallery. I just added several recent pictures. We've been so busy. Oma was just here for two weeks. Joe, Caryl and River, our friends from Missoula, visited from their new home in Vermont. Mary and Kate, from Berkeley, visited here on their trip back East. We made a beautiful Yin and Yang cake for Dare and Sanguine's birthday. We've

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1157334252981085792006-09-03T20:44:00.000-05:002006-09-04T16:26:05.180-05:00

We recently returned from a week on the Atlantic. Long Beach Island in New Jersey was our home base for seven fun filled days. Sand, surf, salt water and sun kept us busy, and good food and cappuccino filled our evenings. Six adults and eight children and one dog and no sun burn or major injuries and only a few hurt feelings. Mainy we just enjoyed the company of family: talking, eating and Blokus

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1150939484943051612006-06-21T20:21:00.000-05:002006-07-09T16:44:48.156-05:00

All SmilesWe made it to June, that is nine months for any of you out there counting. Dare and Sanguine, or as Torrent says "Sangy Woman," are growing and getting smart too. Dare is practically walking now, and Sangy is sitting up nicely on her own. They are both getting an introduction to a few tastes–finger foods, like Cheerios, black beans, apples sauce and rice. Dare makes faces and

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1148528128080416222006-05-24T22:32:00.000-05:002006-05-24T22:42:03.093-05:00

Under a Perfect SkyWe hightailed it out of Ithaca for a long weekend to go to Rachel and Nate's wedding (see the gallery). We had a great time. Rainy and Torrent were in the wedding as flower girl and ring bearer. Rainy and Torrent both won prizes in the scavenger hunt put on by the bride and groom near the end of the big picnic party. Rainy cashed her prize in here at Handel's Ice Cream

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1142788943462887312006-03-19T12:22:00.000-05:002006-03-19T22:41:23.506-05:00

Sanguine's ProgressWith the help of two great helpers, Patti and Kellie, Sanguine is learning and gaining lots of control. She's made it through our bad Flu no worse for the wear. She is sitting up in the high chair and grabbing things like crazy. Oh, and she is officially back on the breast full time. Now she occasionally gets a bottle of breastmilk too, but we are so happy she is strong

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1142341170219019712006-03-14T07:58:00.000-05:002006-03-20T08:57:24.073-05:00

I've moved the site to a new host. The domain is still organichaus.com, but the blog is now at blog.organichaus.com. We also have virtual hosting for simplepractice.com, chirolove.com. We've got all kinds of space and bandwidth. We are still using flickr for our photo gallery. If you are interested in seeing the development for the new organichaus site you can check that out at

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1139797013591558372006-02-12T21:16:00.000-05:002006-02-12T21:23:47.433-05:00

Happy Birthday Rainy Day Rainy turns five and the little ones are going on six months. Torrent will turn three on the 24th. We just moved in to town. Our new address is 117 S Titus Ave., Ithaca, NY 14850.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1138070957224763822006-01-23T21:49:00.000-05:002006-01-23T21:57:51.960-05:00

The GirlsThanks to Oma for coming up here to visit. We had such a great time. The bratwurst and kartofel salat, the chocolate cream pie, ah! We are still trying to get Sanguine and Dare used to not being held all the time. Oma you hung in there again, sleeping on the sofa bed, drinking our strong coffee and dealing with our good little Josie. Oma you are the best.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1136152389483029132006-01-01T16:53:00.000-05:002006-01-01T17:00:15.200-05:00

MonicaMonica has made a bold move. She is ready for a new phase. No more babies, she's taking back her body (well except for nursing), reenergized for 2006. She's now the hairless Monica, all pumped up and running. This is her first buzz.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1135916023455829972005-12-29T23:13:00.000-05:002005-12-31T14:38:58.360-05:00

PhotoboothWe got the new iMac G5 and we are tickled. We just love the newest little application called Photobooth. Here is proof of the fun. Rainy and Torrent can't get enough, they want to take pictures every evening. It offers all kinds of filters and fun options. If only it would take a hi-res image.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1135309064932493052005-12-22T22:37:00.000-05:002005-12-22T22:51:14.170-05:00

Josie, our patron saint of humilityIn all the chaos and change we've experienced this year, Josie, our little best friend, has stuck by our side, watched over us at night, thrived at the end of the food chain in the new version of our family, and loved us all the while. She has had to crawl slowly from numero uno, along with Comet, down the ladder to the least among us. Now with four kids,

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1133748101528708862005-12-04T21:01:00.000-05:002005-12-05T19:12:25.616-05:00

One Day at a TimeWe are three months in. A 6th of the way to 18 months. We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving at Granny and Granpa's place in Ohio. The weekend before that we were in New Jersey at Aunt Barbara's. These kids are great travelers. Actually, the driving is one of the best times to get a little rest. We are expecting to be home for the Holidays. We are now in full Christmas mode. The

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1131211898497040692005-11-05T12:31:00.000-05:002005-11-05T12:39:52.476-05:00

A Thank YouWe are celebrating. Sanguine is inching up the scale and she got a great report from the pediatric cardiologist. She is clear of the congentital heart defects that affect nearly half of the babies with Down's Syndrome. So far, she is the picture of health. Dare is gaining too, but he is so strong. He has to nurse like crazy to get his share when it seems everyone is conspiring to

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1130470144783690322005-10-27T22:29:00.000-05:002005-10-27T22:32:58.723-05:00

Power Rangers to the RescueJust when you thought we weren't going to make it, the power rangers arrive. The bad guys don't stand a chance around here in Ithaca. We've been making Pizza, Calzones and Tortilla Soup. Staying in mostly because it has been raining like crazy. Sanguine and Dare seem to love their super hero family members.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1129169023481594412005-10-12T20:53:00.000-05:002005-10-12T21:15:11.806-05:00

OK, I am planning a new photo project. A day in the life. I'm thinking that I wake up at the usual 3 am, when Monica is doing the hard work, and start taking pictures. I'll set my timer on my watch to go off every thirty minutes and I'll shoot a picture of whatever is happening at that moment. I'll write some good captions too. I bet you'll have trouble picking out the pictures when Monica is not

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1128307936697374732005-10-02T21:52:00.000-05:002005-10-10T07:20:37.266-05:00

Growing is LifeThis is a tough thing to write about. We found out two weeks ago that Sanguine has Down's Syndrome. Monica and I have spent a lot of time thinking about Sanguine, our family and our future. We are good with it. We believe that we have been preparing for her for a long time. We didn't know what we were doing, but the choices and ideas that have taken hold in our lives over the

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1127826510843621282005-09-27T08:08:00.000-05:002005-09-27T20:02:43.860-05:00

I do plan to keep this web log going. The idea of trying to help Monica take care of the little ones, give as much time as I can to the big kids, and working during the day at my job where I get paid keeps me hopping. I hope to give a more complete update in the next few days.Everything is going smooth for now.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1126475322240733322005-09-11T16:48:00.000-05:002005-09-11T17:01:43.606-05:00

Baby Love Monica and her entourage made it home Saturday without a hitch. These kids are already showing thier love. Here, Dare gives his best buddy Sanguine a big hug in the last nap before leaving the hospital.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1126288706169623792005-09-09T12:58:00.000-05:002005-09-11T17:03:28.063-05:00

More Love to Go Around I'm finally outside of the hospital's firewall and I can add some images. Here are a few of the first images from the big event. More will come soon.Monica has been released -- she is feeling great. Sanguine is suffering from a slight case of Jaundice, but she is getting stronger all the time and will likely get released tomorrow.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1126125896473724522005-09-07T15:44:00.000-05:002005-09-11T18:04:55.560-05:00

Thanks for all the well wishes. Mama and Kids are doing fine. Our 'girl' or 'Aunt Sara', Sara Marchese, is on her way here right now from Stanley, Idaho via Boise, Idaho on Southwest Airlines. She will be helping us as we transition from uterus, to outside world, to home, over the next few weeks. Her help is going to be crucial. So far the babies are sleeping more than the other two did at this

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1126092300476849372005-09-07T06:25:00.000-05:002005-09-09T13:01:36.136-05:00

Babies are out. They arrived at 10:22 pm and 11:09 pm last night. They are perfect. Monica delivered them very nicely with only breaking the water to get them going. Dare September Adkins (boy), born at 10:22 p.m., came in at 7 lbs. 12 ounces and Sanguine Sky Adkins (girl), born at 11:09 p.m., came in at just 5 lbs. 11 ounces. Both babies are in great condition. Monica is too. I'll write more

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1126052408023295102005-09-06T19:20:00.000-05:002005-09-07T09:00:31.970-05:00

OK, we are at the hospital and everything is working good. Monica's water was broke manually at around 5 pm, hoping labor would soon follow and it appears that it has. Right now they are 3-4 minutes apart and lasting 60 seconds. We got the best room, Lucky 13. We had an ultrasound earlier today and the results showed that Lighting maybe already be 8 lbs. 10 or so ounces, and Thunder is weighing

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1125955974376371782005-09-05T16:24:00.000-05:002005-10-12T21:19:05.400-05:00

It is Labor Day and no laboring so far. Babies are still pushing and poking as much as ever. It is amazing how long this has been - I never knew two weeks could take so long. We will be heading up to the hospital tomorrow to have a more detailed ultrasound to assess the babies and their condition. We may find out that we were just way off on the due date or we will be confirmed that the babies

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1125770405938630862005-09-03T12:50:00.000-05:002005-09-03T13:00:05.940-05:00

OK, we have realized that the babies have their own timing. We are probably too anxious. Monica is at 5 cm and all signs point in the right direction. Babies are still moving nicely. She had contractions for more than six hours yesterday after taking castor oil and doing all kinds of things to get the labor revved up. It can't be too much longer but our thinking every day (every hour, for me) is

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1125529906825349362005-08-31T18:11:00.000-05:002005-09-03T12:40:54.126-05:00

Taking Care of Business Can you believe we haven't had these kids yet. We understand that labor has to start here soon, but we are not actually in control. Things happen for reasons and we are sure that the babies are having a good time in there. Yesterday Monica had contractions at five minute intervals for over an hour but once we went to the docs office the contractions eased up. We've

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1125361519642696982005-08-29T19:17:00.000-05:002005-08-29T19:30:17.686-05:00

OK, Monica had more powerful cramping in cycles every hour during the night and morning today. We had another appointment with Dr. Rudy and all signs are still perfect, though he is writing 40 weeks and 4 days. So, according to the books, we don't want it to go too long that Rudy and Heidi start worrying. So far, we are still under no pressure. She had a few stronger cramps this evening and she

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1125189140147079872005-08-27T19:25:00.000-05:002005-08-28T11:08:09.440-05:00

Monica wanted to make a belly cast of her pregnant belly during her first pregnancy with Rainy, then she thought this is her second chance with torrent. Still no belly cast even though he came a week or so late. Now, unless something goes awry, this pregnancy is our last chance, but until today we hadn't done one. If the babies would have already come we would have been out of luck. Now, finally,

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1125099111546894012005-08-26T18:19:00.000-05:002005-08-26T18:35:28.196-05:00

Today has come and almost gone. Its the 26th, the official day that was Monica's Due date. Not a lot of action today. Monica did talk to Dr. Heidi and she suggested that Monica do a belly dance with a sheet wrapped tightly around her belly -- hoping to pull the babies in closer to her spine -- hopefully they will drop more and labor will begin. I've picked out the sound track. The mix is now

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1124986131814084892005-08-25T11:08:00.000-05:002005-08-25T15:30:54.920-05:00

Monica has had a sleepless night, but she can't say that labor has started. She looked in the mirror and claims that her face looks flush. That was a true indicator for Torrent. She looked flush according to Sharon, our nurse midwife in Missoula, on the day she went into labor with T-man. So we are hoping.Patty, Monica's sister in law, had a dream last night -- vividly she saw a boy and a girl.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1124647900699358332005-08-21T13:11:00.000-05:002005-09-03T12:41:29.446-05:00

Oma is Visiting We are enjoying the visit of Oma Waltraud. She is up from Florida. Barbara and Dayton, Isabelle and Elliot are here too. The babies are the main attraction, but for now it is still Monica's belly that is getting all the attention.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1124366611858980252005-08-18T07:03:00.000-05:002005-08-19T10:37:04.333-05:00

The last couple of days have been very quiet, relaxing even. Things have been busy for us up until this week and we have finally slowed down. It feels good. Monica has been resting pretty well, and still doing all the running around that has become part of living our lives in Ithaca. We live about 7 miles from downtown and about 13 miles from the Hospital. Today is Rainy's last day at Swim

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1124228792451576682005-08-16T16:46:00.000-05:002005-09-04T19:55:45.106-05:00

We got there at 8:30 am and we quickly sat down with Dr. Heidi, the nurse Barbara and Geda, a Cornell Pre Med intern. Dr. Heidi mainly just wanted a report from us so Monica told everyone how she has been doing. She had slight contractions all night but they settled this morning. The babies heart beats are 132 and 138, they switched count since we checked last week. The babies are already

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1124192434651969022005-08-16T06:40:00.000-05:002005-08-16T06:40:34.666-05:00

We are going to see our OB doctors this morning. Monica did feel someslight contractions all evening but they have let up this morning. Ithink she is getting ready. We'll give you a report after seeing thedoctor.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1124076370150588902005-08-14T22:29:00.000-05:002005-08-14T22:26:10.156-05:00

This is Monica and We are happy to have this tool to share our fun stuff with you. I hope you like it -- and I hope I can help to make it interesting by writing every once in a while.

Monica Adkinsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1124062025665921172005-08-14T21:30:00.000-05:002005-08-14T21:26:42.743-05:00

Hello there. This is the first day that Monica thought (at one point during the day), that this was going to be it. But then the feeling faded. I'm sure the feeling will come again soon.We've got a little photo gallery for you to see. Take a look at them and leave some comments.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15427503.post-1124063966976164422005-08-14T18:59:00.000-05:002005-09-03T12:45:04.923-05:00

Gravity Helps Descending in to the local gorge right behind our place. Monica is still getting around like a champ.

Paul Adkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569482536808390673noreply@blogger.com