Wednesday, January 20, 2010
My first time without the babies
It has been another week of firsts. First, Dan traveled for the first time for work since the babies were born, and I left Luke and Olivia with Oma and Opa (german for grandma/pa) for the first time. Dan surprised me by scheduling a massage for me, and he thought 2 hrs away from the babies would be a good start for me (he knew I wouldn't make it much longer!) It was hard to leave them, but at least I know I can do it now! =) I thought about them the whole time, and when I got home they really didn't know I was gone. As long as they are fed, clean, and have their swings and/or bouncers, all is well in their world!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A busy week in NC
I thought with Dan gone for the week for work and my family helping out, I would have some time to get caught up on things, like baby books and birth announcements. Boy, was I wrong! I have been on the move so much; I'm exhausted! We have had a lot of time to visit with family, including spending Tuesday visiting with my mom. I am also looking at houses while I have some time, and Dan and I will go see some houses together once he returns from Scranton. I am thankful to have the help, but also ready to get home and get settled.
Daddy's first work trip
It was only a matter of time before Dan's work schedule had to resume to normal, and the time has come all too quickly! This meant his travel would also resume. Luckily he only has to be gone for one week this time (Scranton PA), and nothing else scheduled for several more weeks after this week as of now. I decided it would be easier if I went to NC to have my dad and stepmom help out. That way I wouldn't be outnumbered! I didn't think it would be so hard to see Dan leave, but now that we are a family, I have a new perspective on things. I can't wait for him to come home. The babies and I miss him so much already!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A good night
Yay! The babies made it for almost 2 four hours stretches between feedings last night. We are so proud of them! We started feeding them around 8:15pm last night and they went to sleep about 9:45pm and slept until just after midnight. We fed them again (back to sleep around 1:30am) and they didn't wake up until 4:30am. It's the best night of sleep we've had in months!
They still seem to be on a 3 hour schedule during the day, but that is ok. It's much easier to manage when you can see the sun outside!
I can't believe our little babies are 6 weeks old today. Time really does go by so quickly. They are growing cuter and cuter every day!
They still seem to be on a 3 hour schedule during the day, but that is ok. It's much easier to manage when you can see the sun outside!
I can't believe our little babies are 6 weeks old today. Time really does go by so quickly. They are growing cuter and cuter every day!
6 Week OB Checkup
I had my ob follow up today with Dr. Alarcon and everything is great. My incision is healing nicely, and he said I can resume normal activities, including running. This makes me very happy! I haven't run in almost a year, and I can't wait to get back out there. Now I just have to find the energy and time to squeeze in a run! I would like to run the half marathon in Charlotte in December, and I hope to take my first training steps soon.
We also took the babies to my appointment so they could meet the doctor that brought them into the world. I didn't get a picture of them with Dr. Alarcon when they were born, and I wanted to get one for their scrapbook. I have become such a mom! =)
We also took the babies to my appointment so they could meet the doctor that brought them into the world. I didn't get a picture of them with Dr. Alarcon when they were born, and I wanted to get one for their scrapbook. I have become such a mom! =)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Newborn Pics Part 2
After looking at the pictures we had taken last week, we decided there were a few more poses we would like to have. Hey, they're only newborns once, right? So we decided to give it another try today at a different studio. Luckily no one was scheduled right after us (guess most people are working in the middle of the day in the middle of the week!), and our 40 minute session turned into 2 hours. We got some great shots of both babies, just in time before Olivia started having a mini-meltdown.
Maybe all of the excitement of the day will help them sleep better tonight. Olivia kept us up until about 4:30am and she was crying most of the time. Colic is a nasty, nasty thing! Needless to say, we are exhausted, and REALLY hoping the 4 hour feeding schedule takes effect soon. They made it from 8-midnight last night, and not much after that. But it is a step in the right direction, and the times when Luke and Olivia fall asleep on our shoulders makes it all worth it!
Maybe all of the excitement of the day will help them sleep better tonight. Olivia kept us up until about 4:30am and she was crying most of the time. Colic is a nasty, nasty thing! Needless to say, we are exhausted, and REALLY hoping the 4 hour feeding schedule takes effect soon. They made it from 8-midnight last night, and not much after that. But it is a step in the right direction, and the times when Luke and Olivia fall asleep on our shoulders makes it all worth it!
Monday, January 4, 2010
So little, yet such a full diaper!
How can someone so little fill up a diaper with so much poo? Olivia puts her brother to shame! She is quite the pooper, tooter, and burper! We joke that we'll have to warn her boyfriend one day that she will be able to out-toot him. We take turns feeding each baby when Dan isn't working, and we place bets on who will be the one to get the dirtiest diaper of the day. So far Luke has peed on both of us several times, and Olivia has pooped on me more than once!
I never thought Dan and I would talk about poo and burping so much! When does it move from being cute to gross? I think we are getting close! =)
I never thought Dan and I would talk about poo and burping so much! When does it move from being cute to gross? I think we are getting close! =)
One Month Shots and an unexpected trip to Scottish Rite
I can't believe our babies are already 5 weeks old and that it's time for their one month appointment and hep b shot. Time certainly does go by quickly. They are growing up so fast!
We first checked their weights and heights. Here is their progress:
Luke:
8.11 oz 21.5" long Head measurement: 14.5"
Weight: 18% Length: 42% Head circumference: 18%
Olivia:
7.1 oz 20" long Head measurement: 13.5"
Weight: 3% Length: 9% Head circumference: 2%
We can't say enough good things about our pediatrician, Dr. Mona. We had a 30 minute appt scheduled for both babies, and she ended up spending almost an hour with us. The past few days have been especially rough, as Luke hasn't slept much in the past 48 hours (and neither have we!). Olivia has been quite fussy as well. We have been trying different formula/breastmilk combinations as well as anything else we can think of (warm baths, bouncers, swings, swaddling...) and neither one was really sleeping in between feedings.
Luke has been spitting up a good bit of his milk, and seems upset during feeding time. After speaking with Dr. Mona, she was concerned it could be a condition called pyloric stenosis. Apparently the only way to correct the condition is through surgery. When we heard that, Dan and I got very anxious. She wanted us to schedule an ultrasound at Scottish Rite Children's Hospital for later in the day. She was pretty sure he has reflux/GERD, but better safe than sorry. We had a 1:30pm doctors appointment, and by 5pm the office had scheduled us for the ultrasound at the hospital.
It is very eye opening as new parents to be at a children's hospital. We were so worried about Luke, but thankful at the same time that they were born so healthy. A really nice tech performed the ultrasound on Luke while Olivia slept, and luckily it was negative. Whew! Our pediatrician called in a prescription for him, and we will see if it makes a difference over the next few days. We will go back in about 2weeks to follow up and see if we need to make any changes.
She also said we could attempt the 4 hour feeding schedule, especially at night. Yay! We know it will take some time to transition them to that point, but it's nice to know we are making progress. She also suggested we mix a little rice cereal with their bottles to help them sleep longer, and it also helps with the reflux. There are different schools of thought on when to introduce the rice cereal, and Dan and I have differing opinions. We compromised on the amount and are starting with 1/2 teaspoon per 2 ounces of formula (they recommend 1-1 ratio). They can still take their milk through the slow nipple, so it's not very thick at all. We will try this combination for a couple of days and see how it works.
We first checked their weights and heights. Here is their progress:
Luke:
8.11 oz 21.5" long Head measurement: 14.5"
Weight: 18% Length: 42% Head circumference: 18%
Olivia:
7.1 oz 20" long Head measurement: 13.5"
Weight: 3% Length: 9% Head circumference: 2%
We can't say enough good things about our pediatrician, Dr. Mona. We had a 30 minute appt scheduled for both babies, and she ended up spending almost an hour with us. The past few days have been especially rough, as Luke hasn't slept much in the past 48 hours (and neither have we!). Olivia has been quite fussy as well. We have been trying different formula/breastmilk combinations as well as anything else we can think of (warm baths, bouncers, swings, swaddling...) and neither one was really sleeping in between feedings.
Luke has been spitting up a good bit of his milk, and seems upset during feeding time. After speaking with Dr. Mona, she was concerned it could be a condition called pyloric stenosis. Apparently the only way to correct the condition is through surgery. When we heard that, Dan and I got very anxious. She wanted us to schedule an ultrasound at Scottish Rite Children's Hospital for later in the day. She was pretty sure he has reflux/GERD, but better safe than sorry. We had a 1:30pm doctors appointment, and by 5pm the office had scheduled us for the ultrasound at the hospital.
It is very eye opening as new parents to be at a children's hospital. We were so worried about Luke, but thankful at the same time that they were born so healthy. A really nice tech performed the ultrasound on Luke while Olivia slept, and luckily it was negative. Whew! Our pediatrician called in a prescription for him, and we will see if it makes a difference over the next few days. We will go back in about 2weeks to follow up and see if we need to make any changes.
She also said we could attempt the 4 hour feeding schedule, especially at night. Yay! We know it will take some time to transition them to that point, but it's nice to know we are making progress. She also suggested we mix a little rice cereal with their bottles to help them sleep longer, and it also helps with the reflux. There are different schools of thought on when to introduce the rice cereal, and Dan and I have differing opinions. We compromised on the amount and are starting with 1/2 teaspoon per 2 ounces of formula (they recommend 1-1 ratio). They can still take their milk through the slow nipple, so it's not very thick at all. We will try this combination for a couple of days and see how it works.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy New Year-and Newborn Pics!
Last New Year's Eve certainly was different from this year's, and we love it so much more. Last year Dan and I were sad we hadn't been able to start our family yet, and this year we were blessed to start a new decade with our two loves of our lives.
We spent last new years at a friends house-Lisa and Dan. We were there again this year, but the biggest difference is we were out numbered by kids! They had their little boy Anderson 3 weeks before Luke and Olivia were born, and other friends Jay and Beth have 3 girls of their own. So instead of beer and wine flowing this year, it was formula and breastmilk (the guys still stuck to beer, though)! The babies did great once again, and were barely awake to ring in the new year with us. Why are they just fussy at our house? =)
We left their house not long after midnight, and decided to just stay up until the 2am feeding. We stopped by our neighbors house (Lynn and Tim) on the way home so Tim's sister and brother in law could meet the babies, and it would help us stay away until the next feeding. Dan and I didn't end up going to sleep until about 3:30am. We knew we would be so tired the next day, but that is what naps are for, right?
Here are a few pics of the babies ringing in the new year. Here's to a wonderful 2010, and a wonderful new decade with our family. The next 10 years are going to be the best yet!
We also had their one-month newborn pics taken earlier in the day at JC Penny. It was quite the adventure for us new parents! Lesson learned...feed MUCH closer to the picture time. We are probably going to have some more taken next week because we didn't get all of the shots we wanted, but here's one of the pics they were able to capture. We ordered the CD with the rest of the pics, but it won't be ready until next Friday.
Aren't they the cutest babies ever? =)
We spent last new years at a friends house-Lisa and Dan. We were there again this year, but the biggest difference is we were out numbered by kids! They had their little boy Anderson 3 weeks before Luke and Olivia were born, and other friends Jay and Beth have 3 girls of their own. So instead of beer and wine flowing this year, it was formula and breastmilk (the guys still stuck to beer, though)! The babies did great once again, and were barely awake to ring in the new year with us. Why are they just fussy at our house? =)
We left their house not long after midnight, and decided to just stay up until the 2am feeding. We stopped by our neighbors house (Lynn and Tim) on the way home so Tim's sister and brother in law could meet the babies, and it would help us stay away until the next feeding. Dan and I didn't end up going to sleep until about 3:30am. We knew we would be so tired the next day, but that is what naps are for, right?
Here are a few pics of the babies ringing in the new year. Here's to a wonderful 2010, and a wonderful new decade with our family. The next 10 years are going to be the best yet!
We also had their one-month newborn pics taken earlier in the day at JC Penny. It was quite the adventure for us new parents! Lesson learned...feed MUCH closer to the picture time. We are probably going to have some more taken next week because we didn't get all of the shots we wanted, but here's one of the pics they were able to capture. We ordered the CD with the rest of the pics, but it won't be ready until next Friday.
Aren't they the cutest babies ever? =)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Distinct Personalities
I had to share this picture of Luke and Olivia sleeping. She ALWAYS sleeps with her hands up like someone is robbing her and Luke has his hands by his side relaxing. We laugh at them sleeping all of the time...who or what is scaring her so much in her sleep she has to put her arms up? =) And Luke will curl his lip like Elvis just before drifting off to sleep. They may be twins, but they sleep completely differently.
They also make very different sounds. Olivia has a lot to say, and once she learns to talk the house will never be quiet again! Luke makes the funniest faces, and snorts when he is hungry. One baby will cry their lungs out, and the other baby will sleep, sleep, sleep, oblivious to the noise. I can't wait for them to begin interacting with one another.
They also make very different sounds. Olivia has a lot to say, and once she learns to talk the house will never be quiet again! Luke makes the funniest faces, and snorts when he is hungry. One baby will cry their lungs out, and the other baby will sleep, sleep, sleep, oblivious to the noise. I can't wait for them to begin interacting with one another.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Solo Feeding
Today I conquered a complete feeding/changing session all by myself. While this doesn't sound like a major accomplishment, I was very proud! I think the babies were easy on me as they barely cried at all. Usually Luke cries when you take his milk away to burp him, but I think he felt sympathy for me! They were great, and fell asleep pretty quickly afterwards.
Unfortunately the same can't be said for the night-time. Olivia has colic (so we think) and refuses to sleep after the 8pm and 11pm feedings. I guess she is so tired after the 2am feeding, she crashes. That is when Luke takes over being fussy, preventing us from getting much sleep at night. We are SO looking forward to a 4 hour schedule, but it doesn't seem like it will happen very soon. Luke wakes up after 3 hours like clockwork. We are seeing Dr. Mona again on Monday the 4th, and we'll discuss feeding schedules, amounts, etc with her then. For now, we are thankful to get 4 hours of sleep a night!
Unfortunately the same can't be said for the night-time. Olivia has colic (so we think) and refuses to sleep after the 8pm and 11pm feedings. I guess she is so tired after the 2am feeding, she crashes. That is when Luke takes over being fussy, preventing us from getting much sleep at night. We are SO looking forward to a 4 hour schedule, but it doesn't seem like it will happen very soon. Luke wakes up after 3 hours like clockwork. We are seeing Dr. Mona again on Monday the 4th, and we'll discuss feeding schedules, amounts, etc with her then. For now, we are thankful to get 4 hours of sleep a night!
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