Anyone else due in June "06

[christel]

Andrea - my girls are IVF miracles, too. We've also got 4 frozen embies. I'm going to have to make some decisions to around the end of Sept. I'm right there with you... don't know if I want more kids, don't want to pay for storage (and we had to pay for the past year), can't even think about someone else having my babies - so I guess I'm a big no on donation.... what to do. I'm going to have to put a lot of thought and prayer into it, so that probably means we'll store for another year. I wish you the best of luck making that decision.

If we want more kids, we'll definitely have to use our embies... DH has the trouble, results from an incompentent dr. who waited until he was 6 yrs. old! to do surgery on undescended testes. We were able to get his count and motility up to a decent level w/ meds, but the morphology was always below 2%. So, we had ICSI done to have our sweet babies.

Mindy - thanks for the compliments on my girls! You're right, I can hardly ever get them both awake for the camera at the same time :) How's your first week back at work going?

Kirsten, Staci and AndreaR - to correct a bad latch I usually stick my finger in the side of their mouth to break the bad latch. That usually starts a scream and since their mouth is wide open, I shove 'em back on w/ the big mouth and get a good latch. I know... mean mommy... but I've got to live w/ the ouchy nipples, so oh well.

Plugged milk ducts - anyone had problems w/ this? I get these every few weeks. I can see the plugged spot on the nipple. It usually goes away after a few days. I guess the girls work it loose. However, sometimes it looks like a blood blister instead of a white place. Is this also a plugged duct? I don't see any cracking around it and it doesn't hurt. Sorry if that was TMI.

BTW - I just :throb: love :throb: looking at all your siggy pics! This thread has the best looking babies!

Ewwwwwww! l just got puked on! I took a break to move Emme to the swing and :vomit: That girl! She had an explosive diaper at church this past weekend and the nursery worker got the brunt of it. She hasn't pooped since then, so it's going to be another ugly one. Maybe I shouldn't have changed our clothes.

[AndreaR]

christel - luckily, i haven't had any problems with blocked milk ducts. i heard it's excrutiating. i'm so sorry. i bet the LLL website has some good advice.

mindy - just wantd to know how it's going being back at work? are you still bringing the boys with you? what are you doing with lucas? thinking of you....

opps - baby crying. gotta hop.

[LucasMom]

Hey all,
Just wanted to drop in fast...

All of you who have done IVF, I applaud you. :throb: I can just imagine how much love and determination went into having your children just from knowing you all on this site. It must be a painstaking decision to have to make with embryos and how expensive it is to have twins and all of the pros and cons to weigh out. I am sorry I don't sound very educated on this topic, I just can't imagine having to make the decision after all you have gone through trying to get pregnant to begin with. So wonderful you were able to have twins, as if someone was trying to give you a little thank you for dedicating yourselves to having these babies!

Steph-Your post was wonderful, and made alot of sense. Just wanted to say how smarty-pants you sounded!

Well, I started back to work without the boys yesterday. I spent alot of Sunday night crying, but it has been ok so far. I jump right back in. I run close to 25 million in business, and have 140 employees and 8 managers, so I am at least busy. Plus I have food and a chef at work, so thats a perk!!:)
My schedule right now looks like this..

6 am-feed a twin and put back to sleep
6:30-get dressed and ready (me)
7:00-wake Lucas and get him ready, give him juice and cereal
7:15-feed other twin and get dressed
7:40-dress sleeping twin and get boys in carseats
7:45-out the door
8:00-Drop off twins at my moms
8:15-drop Lucas at school
8:50-arrive at work
5ish-Leave work
5:25-(jc picks up Boys on way home)
6:00-make dinner (we have a weeks worth of menus planned and ready)
Boys nap for an hour
7:00-Collect clothing from day and do wash
spend time with boys and play and cuddle, do errands
8:45-one parent feeds boys and bath, other bathes Lucas and reads story to him
9:15-Lucas sleep and Mommy cuddles with Lucas
9:30-Fold Laundry and put away, pack boys bags for next day,make am bottles and juice cup for Lucas, lay out boys clothing and mommy clothing for next day, bring all stuff out to car
10:15-take shower and dry hair ( I have alot of hair)
11:00ish- Bedtime!

So that's a rough idea of where we are. It's tough, but it is working so far. Thanks for your love and support. After school opens next week, I will have a bit more time to talk, but this is our crunch time, sooo....

Love to all,:throb:

PS- for those who have asked about my appt. with the breast surgeon, it is the 28th.
PPS- We do have THE CUTEST KIDS on any thread!! I mean they are all cute, but ours are ...well, you know.

Mindy

[vthompson]

Hello Everyone! As usual, I have been reading posts, just not much time to post myself. I started babysitting my girlfriend's son this week, he is 6. He is pretty much well behaved, but still a big adjustment. The twins' nap times are no longer spent on mommy chores, but on entertaining James (that is name). He starts school on Thursday so it should be a little calmer during the day...at least the new calm that we all know!! Corey is really starting to notice Kayley..he stares and smiles at her. I think Kayley sees him, but I am not sure she realizes who he is yet. They are definitely both cooing and smiling a ton. I LOVE it!! Corey became amazed with his foot today, it was too cute!

IVF - I cannot imagine what a tough decision that must be. I conceived Kayley and Corey on clomid and that was emotional enough...I cannot imagine how emotional IVF and all that goes along with that is. I will pray for all of you that you are given the strength to make such a hard decision.

Lisa - I have been thinking about you ever since I read your post. I almost cried for you and how badly DH was making you feel. I really hope things are going better. All I can say is that no matter what, you are a wonderful mother AND WIFE! You have sacrificed everything for your boys and if he cannot handle that then he needs to grow up! Sorry, I hope I didn't step over the line there, but I just cannot believe he said that to you. If things do not get better, have you thought about counseling?

Mindy - I cannot believe that schedule! You are amazing! It sounds as though work is going well...I hope it continues!

Kirstin - Of course we are happy to have you!! In my book, just one post makes you part of our very special family! :sunshine:

Staci - I chickened out with the cereal. I was going to buy it and I got scared! I think I may wait it out a couple more weeks, too. It is the crazy in me!

I really wanted to post more, but Corey is crying now...gotta go! I really miss all of you when I can't post for a few days!!

Valerie

[twinsmakethree]

hI EVERYONE

I just wanted to post and say thank you for all the support and wonderful advice i talked it over with my husband and he basically just placed the decision on me since he said he would support me either way (sounds nice but i really wanted more from him, i didnt want to make it myself, although he keeps saying what he's going to do with the next set of twins:help: ) So I have decided to ask them to discard thm and I have cried myself sick last thing i need to is pray that this is the right decision and call the hospital in the morning considering i will feel the same way. I have been blessed with three girls and if its in my future for more nothing could stop it from happening so i think i fel at ease.

thanks again and sorry i didnt answer anyones post i will try to do that tomorrow

Andrea

[sgarrett]

Andrea: I feel so bad for you, try not to be sad. Lisa said it best god has blessed you with two little ones that you worked so hard for. You should not feel guity at all. The whole IVF process is such an emotional roller coaster, I am thinking about you!

Lisa: We do not really have much of schedule, they wake up around 8:00 to eat, fall back asleep for a couple of hours. Wake up around 10:00 - 11:00 for a couple of hours than back down. They sleep alot during they day, but when we try to keep them awake they just sleep anyway! BTW if you email slide they will give you a code to post in your signature that will fix your pics.

Babies were still grouchy last night from their shots, but they slept from 10:00 until 3:00 again! That is 3 nights in a row we got 5 consecutive hours of sleep! :yippee: We arranged for a babysitter Friday night so we can go out with a group of friends and watch a band, I am sooo excited!:clink::harmony: (I will use any excuse to click on that icon, the little gutair guy cracks me up!) Anyone know how many beers you can have while breastfeeding??

I hope you all have a wonderful day!:sunshine:

Staci

[sgarrett]

Lisa: I just looked at your pics and they are soooooooooo cute! I have to get some of those bumbo seats. Where do you get them?

[AndreaR]

hi -

i had an awful scare this morning. ronit was walking down the stairs with isabelle in her car seat (not buckled in...my fault), and she slipped. isabelle went out of the car seat. luckily they were on the next to bottom step, but still. i was in my room and went FLYING to the stairs when i heard them fall. i let out some horrible noise when i saw them both on the floor in the foyer. they are both fine, but izzy was so scared. i only blame myself for not giving better direction to ronit. it couls have been worse. just my heart - probably took a year or more off my life!

lisa - ethan and brady are GORGEOUS. i just looked at your pictures. which one is which? i LOVE the seersucker jackets. too cute! as for the daytime schedule, we don't really have one. i try to get them to take at least one long nap (1-2 hours) in the morning and again in the afternoon. sometimes they take shorter naps, too. i am dying to be on a routine as well, but i am at the mercy of these girls. every time we seem to have a schedule, one of them decides to change it.

andrea - i know that was a hard decision for you. going through all that you did to create those embryos is not easy. but have peace with your decision. it is the right thing for you and your family.

staci - congrats on the sleep! i'm jealous! i asked my sister about drinking while b/f. she is very conservative, so take that into consideration. first, she told me that she never drank when the babies were this young. and when her kids got a few months older, she would only drink one or two glasses of wine or beer. no hard alchohol. you could always pump and dump, if you could afford to lose the breastmilk. she said it takes a little while to get into your breastmilk (i think like an hour). i called her last week because i was dying for a margarita, and i was wondering if i could do it. like i said, that's only one opinion. i myself have had one light beer once in a while, but i've been afraid to do more.

must be laundry day - i'm off to fold!

AndreaR

[swineland]

Hello hello....

Lisa, here is what we do during the day:
7-8am wake up and eat, smiles and dad time
8-8:30am playtime
8:30ish nap in the swings
10:00-11:00 wake and eat
11:30-1:00 more playtime
1:00-3:00 either a nap in the cribs or in the car seats as we run errands
3:00-4:00 eat
4:00-7:00 cry, fuss and be generally pissed off
7:00-9:00 depending on HOW fussy they are, we do bath, bottle and bedtime.

What is everyone doing for cars these days?? Did you anyone have to go buy a different car for the expanding new family or did what you have work? Who has minivans and which kind? Do you like? My husband has a VW Passat, which we really never put the kids in, and I have the smaller Lexus SUV. It is working for now, but I can really see the need for a minivan in our future. Once Jerome is in the back there is not a lot of room for anything else.

So I turned on Finding Nemo today and they LOVED it!! Bailey watched the first 1/2 hour and then fell asleep and Evan watched the last 1 1/2 hours and then he fell asleep!! I'm so excited! I was running out of "soothers".

I've got a boatload of thank you cards to write, so I better go while they are sleeping. Miss you all! Oh, and Andrea, what a scare!! We don't have stairs in our house but I can imagine how nervous I would be going up and down them if we did. Glad Izzy is okay.

Talk soon!
Steph
p.s. Mindy, how's it all going, girl???

[sgarrett]

Andrea: Wow, my heart jumped when I read your post. I too have stairs and I am such a klutz. I am always worried about slipping when holding a baby.

Steph: We bought the Nissan Armada. I love the car, but it is hard to get to them when they are fussy. There is no middle seat in the 2nd row, I have to turn around in the passenger seat with my butt in the air to try and soothe them if they start fussing. I kinda wish we had gotten something with a bench for the 2nd row. I am not ready to do the mini van thing yet though! The Armada is in the shop and I had to put both car seats in my Infiniti G35 the other day. My knees were in my chest driving! (I am 5' 10") How much do the babies weigh when they can face frontwards? I hate not being able to see them in the car.

[TMoT]

Hi, gals! I've been stalking and not talking, but I know you all understand (geez -- that is so UNLIKE me! ;-))!

Glad to see the same emotional upheaval and drama going on here as always! ;-) (And I'm not being sarcastic -- seriously!) I've had lots of ups and downs too, and although I don't wish a single one of you any misery (ON THE CONTRARY, of course!), I'm SO HAPPY to not feel alone here! :-(

Just got through a hairy period with dh (yes, one of the club here, I see)... Basically, I'm feeling down because I'm always anchored to the house (and usually my bed) by my Ball (=Artemis) and Chain (=Darius), and bf-ing 24/7...! Since my 17-year-old sister is here, dh has someone else to "play" with, and I really feel left out. :-((( I was even starting to get the feeling that he had a crush on her (for heaven's sake)!! And, when I really thought about it, I realized that I am actually feeling MAJORLY insecure about just having had babies (and no tapeworm!), and that I'll be turning <<40>> :eek: next month! ...Well, after I confronted him about it (and thanks, Mindy, for the excellent reinforcement about communicating!), dh convinced me that I'M the one he has a crush on, and we worked things out. But HONESTLY! Who needs baby blues AND a mid-life crisis at the SAME time!?!?!! :crazy:

*sigh* Anyways.... About everyone's posts...

Geez, Andrea. I don't know what I would do in your position... :-( I was all ready to step up to the plate and have my tubes tied after the babies' birth, and then I backed down. I'm still planning to do it (Okay. I have FOUR children, and finally have my little girl -- but, I tell ya, she's a real handful, so WHAT WAS I THINKING!??! ;-)), but when I'm really good and ready... I'll probably go into menopause before then anyway, though, so...!!!! lol ;-) ...Well, I'm thinking about you and pray you make the decision you can best live with and which will leave you NO regrets (my usual decision-making criteria). God's speed. :-)

I got the Bumbo seats too!!! I just LOVE them!!! A sits up like the Queen Bee that she is, but D flops around and looks cute and goofy as always. :throb: Thanks for the pointers about this. I feel like such a Fad Hag copying you all on this thread all the time, but you're always so RIGHT (and isn't it just easier to let someone else do the thinking for us every once in a while?!!).

Missy, so great to hear from you! You are still the paragon of super-mom/woman/career-gal, etc. I love hearing about your bf experience to keep me inspired. Keep it up strong woman!!!

Monica, you too. Just how much extra milk did you pump early on though?!?!!!! I keep thinking I'm going to start pumping so I can jack them full of food in the evening and some day get some sleep, but I just DON'T HAVE THE CHANCE!!! And, I also worry about nipple-confusion still... Did your boys have any trouble with going between the bottle and breast?????

Mindy, GOOD LUCK on going to/being back at work! And thanks for sharing your personal experience with dh. I keep thinking that you should make ALL that therapy insight available to ALL of us because we're definitely going to need it! ...I'll also be thinking of you on the 28th. xx

Ters, could it be that you're pg again?!?!!!! :eek: You need to go see your ob/gyn about your delayed period, and I pray you get better post-natal care than that nightmare you had pre-baby arrival...! :throb:

Heather, very sorry about the hospital trauma. I've been there -- with just ONE -- and I was a wreck. Glad to hear everything is looking up though. Please keep us posted.

Steph/AndreaR -- So awesome that you could share your dh experiences too, but such a bummer about what you're going through. First, I wanted to say: Leave those couch-potatoes at home and COME VISIT ME!!! (SAME invite is open to all of you, of course!) And second: I can TOTALLY relate in as much as my EX-perience was basically: Arrival of ds1 was The Beginning of The End of our relationship. And arrival of ds2 (which, btw, was the Immaculate Conception -- not to be heretical, but he was also due on Christmas!!!) was The End of The End... :-(

Having gone through all that made the "post-natal partner wedge" the thing I most fear/ed about having babies. (And, look, things are NOT going flawlessly now either anyway!) Good thing my dh is NOTHING LIKE my ex, though. That gives me hope! And, I think/hope I've learned a couple of things from the past -- especially about how important COMMUNICATING your feelings is (even if it my hurt dh!!). Looks like Heather, Staci and Mindy have all been through the ringer too. So lucky we have such a wealth of experience and insight to draw on here. Whew.

Regardless, though, there is NO PLACE for lack of respect in the relationship between us and our dhs!!!! Lisa, I'm so hurt for you by what you're going through now!!! :-( And, I can just imagine how alienated and alone you must feel in the face of those vulture inlaws/dh of yours! Grrr. Please keep tuning in here to get the support and words of encouragement you need for the FANTASTIC JOB you're doing!! And, by all means, if you can manage to meet up with anyone from the thread (for the same reason), that would be AWESOME!!!!!!!!! Just wish I could be there too! :-( ;-)

For anyone who might consider this useful at the moment: One thing a friend of mine reminded her husband about when he wouldn't respect her wishes in child-rearing was this:

1. Raising the babies is my (the mother's) job.
2. If we (the couple) agree on this, than a comparison with your (dh's) job is not out of line.
3. In that light, would you (dh), then, expect someone to take over your own job for a few hours a day without the benefit of some insight from you about how to do that job??
4. And, wouldn't you (dh) normally respect the advice given to you by someone else who's job you took over for a short period on a given day??
5. Then, you (dh) should respect that _I_ (the babies' mother) have beneficial input for you on doing "my" job, and you should then listen to what I have to tell you about doing that job yourself and follow my advice.

Or something along those lines... Get my drift?? Well, I think it was pretty cool that she said that. Kinda making dh think in terms of his own work, which seems to be the only thing they can relate to sometimes....

Belinda and Jackie, so nice to see you on the June thread! Belinda, how is your weight-loss (not) going now?? I'm STUCK at 20lbs over my p-pg weight and it's starting to REALLY get on my nerves!!!!! 'Course, if you exercise, you have to be careful about it inhibiting your milk-supply, so I'm using that as my excuse for the moment...! ;-) Otoh, today I found a piece from my heart-monitor from when I ran a half-marathon XXX years ago, and i wonder if it's a sign from God.... 8op Jackie, you're still the same awesome Natural Mom as always! (I'm sure the June mommies consider us both nuts! ;-)) I'll be making food for the babes by hand too (!), but I am not rushing it. We'll see....

Last night, though, I would have poured ANYTHING down them I could find to get them to go to sleep -- I SWEAR!!!!! They are consistently up from 2am to 7am FEEDING, non-stop (and at the same time), and I am CLIMBING THE WALLS! They sleep like angels during the day (nursing every 3-4 hours or more) and turn it on just for me during the night...! :-( Of course, dh (and everyone else in and out of screaming distance) is asleep during that time, so I get to go it alone and that is a REAL @#$%! :-( Advice? Opinions? Drugs??????? ;-)

Speaking of which, I have a drink almost every evening. :clink: (LOVE these new smilies!) Belgians think stout (=guiness) is good for breast-milk production (lots of b-vitamins), and I think it's good to help Mommy chill out, and hopefully, make babies sleepy. Fat chance. I get tired, but babies get wired, and you can see how that situation ends up...! ;-)

Okay. I'm really blabbering here. I hear someone grunting in the bed (Artemis probably. She has major poo-poo issues!), so I really oughta close. Otoh, I wanted to share that I'm also losing my hair, and my stylist (la dee da) said it's normal. My nails are also strong as, erm, nails -- which is never the case for me either. I am NOT anorexic though :-(! :-( And I don't have that tapeworm. Sh1t. Barbie isn't even my friend!!! :-(((

And, on the "been-there" Mommy tip:

Teething: can definitely start at this early age (!). Teeth push and "retreat", push and retreat, for WEEKS before they actually push completely through (which usually happens around 6 months, but really depends on the baby)...

Night Diaper-changing: I don't do it. Only poop really causes rash. Babies can definitely go the night with only one changing of disposable diapers (not cloth tho!), as long as they don't poop. No need to stress yourself or them for that... I'm still working on the diaper-free approach (!!!), but until we have a better rhythm, I've been using cloth and disposables....

Christel/plugged milk ducts: I never get these except when I'm pumping (for which reason I actually prefer to express by hand, if I can/need to)... My solution, though, is just that: gently express milk by hand around/from the duct that is plugged. If you can work on it a bit, the duct will become unplugged on it's own. Heat (shower, compresses, etc.) seems to help to soften the area and unplug the ducts too (so you might try hand-expressing some milk while you're in the bath/shower or something)... To avoid "chronic" duct problems, you should vary bfing positions so each duct gets a good work out. That helps to keep them from getting plugged. Pumping is also a typical culprit for causing plug ducts, but I don't know if that's the situation in your case... ..."Blood blisters" sounds like a baby isn't latching on well and is sucking in the "wrong" place. As you probably know, a good latch is the most important thing to avoid plugged ducts and lots of other bf "problems". As AndreaR said, too, be sure ot check out the LLL site, and GOOD LUCK!! :-)

AndreaR, I'm really sorry about Ronit and Izzy, and so glad they're okay!!!! Isn't it incredible how resistant God made babies?!?! Whew. Amen for that!!!

Well, okay. Just fed one baby, but the other's getting fussy now. "HI" to all the ladies I "missed," and much love to all of you (I'm thinking about you!) till I can post again!!!! xox

[swineland]

Oh Lisa, the Babe Magnet onesie was a gift, but I'm pretty sure she got it on sale at Kohls. I think they might have discontinued it.

[megzmom]

Havent read all the posts...will soon.

Steph-We had to buy a minivan. I am sure you will seen it soon :) Its a Nissan Quest. My Saturns last payment was Nov of last year and at the same time we found out we were having twins. So in Dec we bought the van. It was so hard first because of Megan. She would have to climb under and around to get in the back. Then my genius dh took out one of the bucket seats and we put the boys in the back. So we put our groceries, diaper bags and such where the bucket seat used to be behind the drivers side. Lost a seat but we now have storage and dd doesnt have to climb everywhere.

Problem is I loose my van on Th and Fri. Dh has off a takes care of the boys so I have his stinky pickup. He works at Disney in maintenece and reaks at the end of the day. Right after the boys were born (I was pissed at something) so I cleaned the entire inside, vaccummed/washed the carpets and febreezed it to death. I looks better but still gross :shrug:

IVF-I also am in awe of you ladies. Our boys were a freak of nature. We thought we werent able to because after 1 1/2 yrs we couldnt conceive. I got check and hubby got checked but it said we were find. We ended up signing up for adoption classes. We were thinking of adopting my mom's foster boy. Hurricane wilma cancelled the class and a few days later we found out we were prego. It was insane becuase of course we werent "trying" anymore.

I am so sorry that some of you have to make really hard choices. I am pretty conservative too but I would never judge any of you all. It is such a hard decision. I am going on bc becaue I wasnt 100% sure 3 was enough. I am realizing how fast they grow with my dd. I makes me cry a lot seeing how quickly time is flying.:cry: :cry: Mydh definately wants one more but I am 32 and not sure I want to put my body through this again. I am pretty sure I will have twins or UGH triplets because my dd 's 1st sonogram showed 2 sacs. The ob back then never said twins we were having it done again soon because I had a previous miscarriage. So I petrified of having another multiple birth.

I now refer to you as my sisters. My dh knows who I am talking about. There isnt a day that I dont talk about you all. Someone said they feel like a fad hag...that is so me. I rarely try anything without consulting you all :)

Schedule: unfortunately really dont know alot aobut the day except they still eat every 3 hrs.

5:30am wake up and take a shower, dress, make lunches for dd and myself.
6am wake up dd, feed her breakfast and feed crying Ben
6:45am mil comes and feeds Zack
7:30 boys are back asleep
9-9:30 feed
sleep
12-1 feed
sleept
4 feed
4-7 cry like crazy...mommy's home
6 feed and rock for a while
8:15 help dd get ready for bed, read, scratch back sing a song totally off key!
8:30pm feed cereal and 1/2bottle, bathe, feed rest of bottle and put drunk
litttle ones to bed

9:20 dh is crashed out in bed, I clean bottles and grade papers
10-11pm I get ready for bed and check on everyone :0
goodnight, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite !!!

[Jillmami]

Well, I've been gone for quite a while and know that I have missed tons of things. My first word of advice would be not to pump while you have your laptop on your lap. If you don't pay attention, milk gets onto the keyboard and fries out the motherboard thus killing the computer. I was faced with paying $600 for a replacement piece or getting a new computer. A shopping I went! Also, my relatives have been visiting here and there since my mom was given just 3 months - 1 year. That has been extremely difficult. We have been trying for years to have kids, she gets melanoma, we finally have babies and her cancer comes back at the same time with a vengeance. She is on so much pain medicine that she isn't the same person and it's hard to see her with the babies since she has changed so much. Not what I pictured re: the whole situation. I am glad that she gets to spend some time with them. She is staying in a long-term care facility since I can't care for her and the babies. That gives her great care especially since hospice is involved. Well, I started teaching this week, just 2 1/2 days so I need to get back to preparing.

Hope to gradually get caught back up on everyone's beautiful babies and lives soon. Take care!

[swineland]

Jill, so good to see you on the board again. First I want to say how absolutely adorable your little punkins are! The updated pics are so cute and I'm happy that they are doing well. Secondly, my sincere apologies for what you are experiencing with your mom. I know you might be thinking, jeez, can I get a break here? Just when things got good, something bad like this happens....not fair. Your strength as a mother, as a daughter and as a woman is being put to the test and, while things will be hard for a bit, this too shall pass. I am not a religious person, but that is one of my favorite sayings, because it is so true. Nothing ever stays the same and change is inevitable. Know that you are loved and give back as much love as you possibly can to those you care about. Talk to us any time and, another favorite of mine, hang in there :)

Steph

[sgarrett]

Jill:

My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry. You have so much on your plate already and to be going through something so emotionally devastating and exhausting. You and your family are in my prayers.

Staci

[cbparker]

Sherry...good to "see" you! Sry your having sleep issues, but you're in the right place. No one understands quite like us! Weight loss..I've only lost 5 more pounds, but that puts be down to 25 BELOW pre-pregnancy weight!

Minivan - I drove a Nissan Sentra, so a new vehicle was a must. We bought the Honda Oddysey and love it. It has the automatic sliding doors which is a must for any twin family!

Bumbos - I too jumped on the bandwagon and love them. We bought ours at Target for $40. There were none on the shelf, but we asked someone and they had them in the back. (Monica - I bought them at Merritt's Creek Target in Barboursville...isn't that close to you?)

Birth Control - I go in on Tuesday for the Mirena. I'm a little nervous...does it hurt?

Schedule - Yeah right! Actually, during the day there is no real schedule, but between 8-9 at night we have been feeding 6 oz in the dark, and then to bed. They usually sleep until 2-3, up to feed, then back to bed until 6-7.

Grunting - does anyone else have loudly grunting babies. Rylee seems to grunt all the time. Is this something I should be worried about?

We go for shots tomorrow..wish us luck. I am a nervous wreck!

Take care,
Belinda

[mmzill]

Sherry & Jill, it's good to here from you. Jill, sorry about your mom. It must be really hard.

Sherry, I have a lot of milk frozen.....i guess one blessing of having premies. We had to buy a new freezer to keep it all in. For a month I was pumping 4 to 6 oz every three to four hrs, and the boys needed less than an once each feeding, so I stocked up. If it weren't for that milk, I would be supplementing in the evenings w/ formula. They are having no problem w/ nipple cofusion, and I heard that if you don't introduce the bottle by like 6 to 10 wks they will probably never take it.

Belinda - Barboursville is about two hrs from us, but it is only 20 min from the hosp the boys were born at, and I was down there for three weeks. The mall there is nice. I got a Mirena in June. I really like it so far. It was slightly uncomfortable, but no worse than a Pap. I did spot off and on for about 5 wks, but it was really light and I no longer spot. It's nice not to hve to take a pill every day.

Lisa - sorry about dh issues. My husband is a sex addict too, and it's so frustrating....but we've struggled with the sex balance for a long time.

Hair falling out - OMG, mine comes out in handfulls! I have to keep cleaning the drain in the shower, just to get the water to go down, so gross!!

New car - we just got a Dodge Grand caravan. It's really nice. The best part is that my father-in-law basically gave it to us. It's a 2004 w/ 50,000 miles. We gave him our little car in return. But our car has almost 200,000 miles and was a 1990! So we are very gratefull. I'm still struggling with the whole image of driving a van, but oh well, that's the life of a family with 5!! :)

Well, better go. Hope you are all doing well. It's so good to hear from each of you! Have a wonderful day.
~Monica

[twinsmakethree]

hi everyone

Nusaybah did a complete rollover(stomatch to back):yippee: it kind of scared her so when i was all happy she was crying!!!

Well anyway

Schedule- We are up at 8:30
10:30-11:00 naptime( sometimes thats not happening)
11:00- 12:00 bath time or sponge down
12:00- 2:00 playtime cry time which ever thy feel
2 ish nap time they sleep sometimes long sometimes not

after that we are basically winging it until 8:30/9:00 they are out of until 3:30a.m then sips and back to sleep until next morning

bumbo seats- ok im on the bandwagon I am bidding on ebay for two of them they seem like a must!!

Sherry- I feel your pain I am basically in my room all day everyday(except Friday when we go out all day) because my tv laptop and ac is in my room. I feel like aneed to be set free sometimes as well!

Jill- it was nice to hear from you again you will be in my thoughts

minivan- yup going on ebay for that too( ok i know it sounds crazy but my husband's friend brought a 2000 lexus on ebay in excellent condition and two of my friends brought their minivans from there and love it)we are looking to buy the mazda minivan i just forgot the name but i love the look of it

belinda- my girls grunt so loud when they poop- we were in an office building monday and it was totally quiet and ruwaydah lets out a huge grunt then you here her pass gas i was so embarrass another thing they do is nurse so loud, god no one sees them and then all you hear is this sucking noise everyone's like ohh

babies- gosh ladies your babies are so cute! Lisa they are adorable and staci i love the pic of one of the babies crying shes still cute crying!! and then with your husband licking his tongue out too cute

ok i want to type more but i have to go now

one more thing ladies try pilates i started doing it and wow it works really well so i incorporated yoga and piltaes in my exercise regime it has been a real energy booster

Andrea

[twinsmakethree]

ok my dh said that cant count as a rollovr its only from back to stomatch :sigh:

maybe another time

andrea

[twinsmakethree]

Lisa - my Nusaybah sleeps very little doing the day which is somewhat nerve wrecking because just when i think i can lay her down for some time she wakes up smiling and forget placing her on her stomatch she thinks that it is time to play(tummytime) so she just will not lay her head down but she does sleep through the night so i guess thats the trade off does your slepp through the night. i asked their pedi and she said if she is sleeping through the night dont worry about the day too much i dont knw:shrug:


Ruwaydah hates tummy time so i just let her sit up her head seems to be pretty strong still although im concerned how that will affect her trying to reach other milestones such as crawling and pushing herself up and rolling over. Nusaybah seems to be moving faster than her in the milestones my husband says she seems to be a few weeks behind but the pedi says all is good!! I try not to worry because i know the milestone charts are not etched in stone for every baby they'll reach it when they are ready, so dont beat yourself up over it

Andrea

[twinsmakethree]

hi ladies this is a website i love and wanted to share it with you

www.drgreen.org

also here is something about soft spots(not the whole article on the above site)

The anterior fontanel, or soft spot on a baby's skull, is a cause of concern for many parents. Elsewhere, the baby's brain is protected by a wall of bone; here only soft, squishy tissue separates the brain from the traumas of the outside world. The soft spot seems so vulnerable. I spoke with a mother today who had never touched her son's soft spot -- she was afraid she would put her finger through it.

In truth, the soft spot is another example of the amazing design of the human body. At birth there are six soft spots, but only two are noticeable (the largest, up on top, is the anterior fontanel). The loose connections of the skull bones that intersect in the soft spots make labor and delivery possible. Without this flexible anatomy, either human babies would have to have smaller brains or human mothers would have to have wider hips if any babies were to be born.

The value of the soft spot isn't gone when you first hold your baby in your arms. Far from making the baby more vulnerable, the soft spot protects a baby from injury. True, it makes some uncommon accidents more dangerous (landing head first on top of a car's radio antenna), but for the common falls experienced by all babies, the soft spot cushions and protects -- making the skull function rather like a football helmet.

Every week, frantic parents rush into my office after their babies have fallen off a bed or table or highchair. It happens so quickly, babies can fall even with careful and attentive parents -- it's even happened to me, but don't tell :^). When babies fall, they usually land head first, since their centers of gravity are in their heads (adults' centers of gravity are in our bottoms). The head hits the floor with a terrible, ripe-melon-like "thwunk." Thanks to the cushioning of the soft spot, most of these head injuries are quite minor. And by the way, although the spot is soft, it actually consists of a surprisingly tough fibrous membrane.

At birth, babies' soft spots come in a very wide range of sizes. If the soft spot is small, it will usually enlarge over the first several months. Conversely, large ones tend to get smaller. By the time a baby is 2 months old, the anterior fontanel is usually about 1 and 1/4 inch across (actually one by one and a half inches), +/- 3/4 inch (Journal of Pediatrics, 80:749, 1972). A persistent, larger anterior fontanel is usually completely fine, but is sometimes associated with a variety of uncommon disorders (list adapted from Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, Saunders, 1996):

[vthompson]

Lisa - Stop putting so much pressure on yourself!! We are in the same boat with napping, my babeis do not have a consistent sleeping schedule during the day. The only way I can get a good nap out of them is by putting one of them in the swing and we only have one...so as I type, Corey is in the swing sleeping and Kayley is laying on my lap looking around. My kitchen is a wreck and I have a TON of laundry to fold...oh well!! But seriously, you are worrying too much and I am worried about you! As for head holding, Corey is much stronger then Kayley. However, they both HATE laying on their tummies so tummy time does not last very long around here. Kayley can barely lift her head on her tummy. I actually worry about her a lot. Here I go, telling you not to worry, but I am worrying! How easy it is to give someone else advice. Well, hang in there. I am thinking about you. I pm'd you back yesterday.

Jill - I am so sorry to hear about your mom. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I cannot imagine going through all of that right now. Hang in there!

UGGHHH, Kayley is crying gotta go....I really wanted to post more...sorry!

Valerie

[sgarrett]

Belinda: My little girl grunts all the time! And snorts!

Lisa: Do not worry all babies hit these milestones at differnt times. Aiden's neck strength is much stronger than Isabelle's. Of course her head is a lot bigger too! Schedules - we do not have one either. And we really really try. The hardest part for us is from about 6:30 to 9:30 they are so fussy! All we can do is hold them, it gets VERY frustrating! But they are no where near sleeping through the night, I am celebraing b/c they slept 5 hours in a row the past 4 nights. Do not stress sister I am right there with ya!

[mommyof4at26]

hey ladies im sorry i havent psted i am so busy taking care of the boys and 5 and6 yrold girls how is everyone doing?sherry:toyah: :funny: :clink:

[AndreaR]

Lisa - I know it's hard not to worry that your babies aren't doing what they should when they should, but it seems to me that your boys are perfectly normal. My girls do not nap consistently, nor do they sleep through the night ever. They do not hold up their heads very well - not at all when they're on their tummies, just when you hold them. They show no signs of rolling over any time soon. Isabelle rolled from her back to her side once, but that was it. You need to give yourself some credit for having two gorgeous healthy children who have a very loving home. Every baby is different. Plus I think they get a bit of a break since they're twins. I can't remember when they were born, but I remember that no one went to 40 weeks, so they were a little early, right? These things make a BIG difference. Your boys are perfectly normal and will be swinging from the ceiling soon enough! You are a WONDERFUL mother. You REALLY REALLY are. I can tell by everything you already do for them.

Andrea - when in God's name do you have time for an exercise routine!?? OMG I am so impressed. Nevermind having the energy and stamina. I bet doing yoga would be great. I haven't done anything in such a long time.....now I'm just walking a mile or two when I can, but that only happens a few times per week.

Jill - Nice to hear from you, but I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. You have been through so much. My prayers are with you. On a happy note, your babies are just so gorgeous. I love looking at your slide show over and over. I just love those cheeks!! Hope all is going well with your teaching.

Monica - so nice to hear from you, too. Congrats on your car swap - what a deal!! Please say hello to Victor and tell him we miss him. I always laughed so hard at his posts.

Speaking of men.........I wonder how Jason and his family are doing.

Hi Rachel - hope you are hanging in there!

Sherry!!! Yay! Great to get your updates. I've been wondering how you've been. Your missing posts made me wonder if those two beauties haven't given your breasts a break. I'm so sorry. I really thought a few more weeks would help them. Even now for me, though, there are times when Isabelle will nurse on and off for hours. But she is only one baby, and I know that makes a big difference.

Grunting - Isabelle also grunts really loud when she poops. REALLY loud. And the actual pooping is just as loud. She also makes a ton of noise while she's nursing. I'm signing her up for charm school...

Minivans - sorry ladies. I couldn't do it. We bought a Mercedes wagon right before we started IVF. We actually bought it for the dog, because he was having trouble jumping into the back of my SUV. Anway, I always wanted a station wagon if I had kids. Well, we weren't counting on two kids right away! Poor Ronit gets stuck back in the middle of the two car seats - there is barely room for her. I know we'd fit better in a minivan, but I just can't do it.

cute story of the day..........today Isabelle stopped in the middle of nursing, pulled herself off the boob just to give me a smile.

funny story of the day..........this morning ronit says, "do you want to go upstairs and get dressed while the girls are relatively quiet?" i was ALREADY dressed. guess my yoga pants and tshirt weren't fancy enough. LOL

:throb: you all
AndreaR

[vthompson]

Sherry - I was so happy to hear from you!! It sounds as though everyone is doing well. Don't beat yourself up about things with DH, I think we are all feeling very insecure these days. I know I am!! In fact, I had a dream recently that DH had a one night stand and decided to leave me and the twins high and dry. Crazy!! As for turning 40, you should look at it as an accomplishment...look at all you have done in 40 years...in fact, you are raising twins and 2 boys for goodness sake!! I would say, mentally and physically, you are in your early 20's!!

Lisa and Jill - I loved both of your pics of the babies. They are all so adorable!

Grunting - Corey is a grunter when he poops, he grunts so much that his face turns beat red. I swear he is going to break a blood vessel in his head one day!!

Andrea - It sounds as though our babies are similar developmentallly. And Lisa, Andrea brought up a very good point about being born early. You have to take that into consideration. I agree, your boys look very happy and healthy! Keep up the good work!

We have the baptism on Sunday so it is mad cleaning for me tomorrow. Thank goodness my mom is on vacation so she can come over and watch the babies so I can clean.

I took out the 3-6 month clothes and washed everything. Corey can fit into some outfits, but can still fit into 0-3. Kayley is so darn tiny that she swims in 3-6. This is a hard time because now we have an overabundance of clothes and I am not sure where to put them. Has anyone else started with
3-6 month sizes?

Another quick question, has anyone researched where the cheapest place to by Pampers diapers is? I bought some at Wal Mart today...I got 112 for about 18.00. Are any other places cheaper? We had so many diapers from the shower that we did not have to really buy any until now. I love the Swaddlers, by you got more for the same price if you bought the Baby Dry from Pampers so I went with those. I hope I like them as much.

Well, I left DH with the twins to go make bottles about an hour and a half ago. I better get back!!

[cbparker]

Just thought I would let you know that the girls did great getting their shots. Neither of them even cried...I on the other hand was a blubbering idiot even before they got them. They have been a little more fussy, but I know this is normal. I had better get to bed while dh is still awake, because I know once he comes to bed I will be up all night checking on the girls.

Here's wishing lots of sleep!
Belinda

P.S. When is everyone planning to leave their babes overnight? My parents are willing to take the girls for a night, but I don't know if it's too early. They kept them while I was in the hospital, but that was a little different.

[vthompson]

BTW, we broke down and bought a mini van the day before I went into labor!! I think the babies knew to wait!! Anyways, we got a Dodge Grand Caravan and we LOVE it!! It rides really smooth and has plenty of room, especially when you take down the 3rd row seats. Ok, really gotta go!

[vthompson]

Belinda - I just saw your post after I posted...we are leaving the babies overnight for the first time at the end of September. They will be 4 months old. I would probably leave them sooner, except my father is a chain smoker and I will not leave them over their house so they would have to come here. What good would that do if we were home!! DH's parents would never offer to take them overnight.

Valerie

[mmzill]

Valerie - I'm a Swadlers mommy also. I hated Baby Dry! They don't stretch....in my opinion the Luvs work as well as the baby dry and they are way cheaper. I think Sams is slightly cheaper than Wal-mart, but you get a box with some 1s and 2s in it.

AndreaR- I showed Victor what you wrote. He got this huge smile on his face. He loves to say silly things to get a rise out of others, so that really made his day.
~Monica

[Daniele'sTwins]

I haven't read all posts but I am falling behind and just wanted to make a few comments...

Jill....I am praying for your mom. I am so sorry to hear what is going on.

Andrea...UGH, My God! Thank God Izzy is alright!

Mini Vans... I have a Mercedes ML350 (suv) but I have been finding it gettign smaller and smaller and even though I swore I would NEVER EVER get a van I have been thinking of the Honda Odesy. I did confess this to a couple of my friends and they laughed at me that I am going from a mercedes to a van but i do want more children...lol

Pregnancy Scare...ok so I am 5 days late for my period and have been sooo sick to my stomache lately but I took a pregnancy test tonight and it was negative. I definately do want more children and I wouldn't be totally upset BUT i would rather wait a couple of years.

I have so much more to talk about but the boys have been sleeping for an hour already and I should be taking advantage of this too.

[swineland]

Going to post more later, but I wanted to tell Valerie that I HATE the Pampers Baby Dry. Yeah, they're cute and all, but they have ZERO elastic and as soon as the babies sit or crunch up in them they stay in that shape, they don't stay gathered around the baby. My MIL bought us a whole case at BJ's and I feel like I have to keep using them up before I go buy more, but it will for sure be Swaddlers next time. Swaddlers rock! That all being said, you might have a totally different experience with the Baby Dry.......good luck!!

Steph

[megzmom]

Coupons-someone asked if I got free stuff. Yesterday I did! Two boxes of Isomil. I met an awesome rep from my ped office on his way out. He took my address and enrolled me in the multiples program. I was already enrolled but I put my husbands name this time and got more. Plus I enrolled for many other places using my mom also. I made copies of the birth certificates for the companies that requested (I only did that once) but others I kept putting differnt names and addresses and get alot more. Sassy company sent us a bunch of nukies and coupons, enfamil, good start, etc. did the same. Let me know if you want the twins info I saved it to a word file.

Prego-I keep having nightmares that I am preg again. I am not against it but ONLY when the boys are out of diapers. I am petrified. I missed getting my Minera put it because I got it on a Friday and called on Monday, my appt was Tues and it was already gone!!! So I am hoping to get it put in within the next 2-3 wks!!!!

[sgarrett]

Lisa: So how does this scehule thing work? Be kind I need it in simple terms, blame it on blonde and lack of sleep!:sleepy: Do you just put them in their cribs at the same time everyday? We really are not having that much problem getting them to nap, but the nightime routine is horrible. They are so fussy at night. Once their down they have been going for 5 hours, with the exception of last night. Aiden was up every two hours! I swear he knows the days I have to go in the office! I am zombie at work today!:banghead: Also the past two nights Aiden has screamed for like an hour straight! They are normally fussy at night, but I mean he SCREAMED! My DH is into guns and I was wearing his ear protection last night while holding Aiden. We finally took him for a ride to calm him down. I hope to god he does not do it again tonight. He is so happy all day, he smiles ten times more the Isabelle, but about 7:00 he gets pissed! Does anyone else have a mystery screamer? I hope this is not a pattern starting I will go nuts!

Diapers: I am a swadlers mommy too, of course I have not had to pay for diapers yet, but the stockpile is getting low!

Belinda: I have not had to leave them overnight yet, but I will in Oct for a work thing for two nights and I have go to Colorado for a client soon too. What the heck am I going to do with huge commercial grade pump on the plane? How do I keep breastmilk fresh in a hotel room and on a plane?:sigh:

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Staci

[AndreaR]

Going to post more later, but I wanted to tell Valerie that I HATE the Pampers Baby Dry. Yeah, they're cute and all, but they have ZERO elastic and as soon as the babies sit or crunch up in them they stay in that shape, they don't stay gathered around the baby. My MIL bought us a whole case at BJ's and I feel like I have to keep using them up before I go buy more, but it will for sure be Swaddlers next time. Swaddlers rock! That all being said, you might have a totally different experience with the Baby Dry.......good luck!!

Steph


I TOTALLY AGREE! And my SIL bought us a whole case from BJs that I feel like I must get through. If she's laying down, the pee just rolls right down Isabelle's body and out of the waist of the diaper. It always seems to happen just after I put her in clean clothes. grrrrrrr I think we only have about 20 left. I can't wait!!

Will post more later - just had to chime in. AndreaR

[qbanmom5]

Hi guys. I miss you all sooo much. I wish I could reply to everyone but I just don't have the time. I also had a prego scare cause I had no idea when I should have gotten my period. Well I got it on Monday and boy was it heavy!!

My kids are wearing 6 months clothes. They are sooo fat and cute. I have to buy more clothes already!! I don't like huggies, I do like the Swaddlers. I also prefer Pampers wipes to the Huggies ones. Don't know why I am just not a huggies fan.

I love you all, keep up the good work girls!
Love, Ters

[qbanmom5]

We do have the cutest babies ever!!!!!


Btw thought I would mention that I backed out of the tubal ligation idea when I found out I had to have general anesthesia. It just freaked me out and I am looking for another option--like DH getting snipped.

Also, i haven't updated you on the car accident-- there is no update. I still haven't been compensated for my car by the insurance company. I guess I pick attorneys the same way I pick ob gyns! Also, I have lots of pain and snapping in my right wrist ( the one I sprained). I can't even sign my name without pain!

Enough whining. I need to take a shower. I am so in awe of you girls and your schedules. I can't get a thing done and when I do it is definitely not in a timely fashion. I had to get up at 3:30 am to have the twins and myself ready to go to wic at 7:30 and I was late! I need help!!

Love you lots, Ters

[cbparker]

I found the link to the free stuff site:

http://www.twinstuff.com/lore/idx/0/020/article/Freebies_for_Newborn_Twins.html

Here's another:

http://www.twinslist.org/freebie.htm

I'll keep looking!
Belinda

[megzmom]

Can anyone tell the difference (whos crying) in the babies' cries yet? I still cant but wasnt sure.

I added some new pictures to the slide.

[mmzill]

Ok ladies, just had to post something so you would see my precious babies! We took some pics today, then I messed around with them editing them some. Aren't they so cute?? They are just a couple days away from being 5 months old. So hard to believe!

All of your babies are precious too! My boys sound exactly the same when they cry. When they are both crying at the same time, it sounds like you are hearing surround sound in sterio! I hope everyone had a good weekend. Ours was pretty good. Took our first "trip" in the van. It was really nice. Post more later.
~Monica

[qbanmom5]

Luke and Leias cries are completely different. She lets out a loud squeal at the start and it is more high pitched. Lukes is like a continuous nasally cry that goes on and on in a low pitch. Gotta go, I hear a high pitched squeal!

Ters

[vthompson]

Hello Everyone!! It has been an insanely busy weekend for us. Today was the twin's baptism and we had about 40 people at our house afterward. Everything went really well!!

Cries - Corey and Kayley have completely different cries.

Monica - I love the new pics...DH was looking at them with me and we both thought they were professionally done!

Pregnancy scare - I have actually been really scared of this recently. This is my 2nd month on the pill, I got my period last month. Lately, my boobs have been hurting, a lot like when I was pg with the twins so I am freaking out. I am supposed to get my period next week (not this week coming up). We want more children, just not now! Plus, I have continued to take the pill so if I was pg, I would be so scared that the baby would have problems. You guys are the first I have admitted my pg scare to, besides DH!!! Cross your fingers!!

Ok, gotta go...babies VERY OVERTIRED and OVER STIMULATED!

Valerie

[LucasMom]

Hello all,
Sorry, not much time to post right now, but wanted to stop and say "hi!".
Things are busy right now with my return to work last week as I mentioned, but I am thinking of all of you.

Belinda-Thanks for the freebie list!

Val- I am sure all is fine--the pill usually makes the boobs hurt in the second or third cycle. You do make such cuties, though, so a third would just add more pretty pics to our thread! Maybe you should wait a little:crazy: Congrats on the success of the baptism, can't wait to see the pics. I have another coupon for you, I'll mail it when I get the second one this month.

Ters-OMG, the cheeks on your two!! So cute! Logan and Dylan cry completely different also. Logan is a lower, throatier uh, uh, uh sound. Dylan full out wails, but as soon as the bottle hits his lips...aaahhhh, quiet!

Monica- Beautiful!!!! Speechless that you did those yourself. Love the chin dimples! They look wonderful.

Heather-Love your new pics also! Again, Meg looks like such a proud sister. Ben and Zach really look alike in the pic of the three of you. Only subtle differences, like L and D. Head shape a little different and so on.

OK, loves, I have to go. I have to finish up my "evening routine", but I am thinking of all of you. I'll write soon.

:coffee: (this is how I survive these days!!)Mindy

[AndreaR]

ISABELLE SLEPT THRU THE NIGHT!!
she slept from 7pm - 6am.
wow.
will post more later

[mmzill]

AndreaR - that's great!!! It's so nice when they start sleeping longer!

[swineland]

Congrats Andrea on Izzy sleeping thru the night......I've yet to experience that, but we're getting there!

Monica, those boys are adorable. What wonderful photos, thanks for sharing them with us.

Just checking in to say hi to everyone. It's been pretty quiet on the board I notice.

Someone asked about what size clothing our babies are now wearing.....it's mostly all 3-6 months at this point. I just cleaned out all the newborn/0-3 month onesies and some of them were never even worn! It is fun though to now have NEW clothing options for them when I open the drawer :)

FYI I'm leaving on Wednesday for a 5 day visit to my parents with the babies and my best friend and her 3 year old daughter who flew in from Phoenix. I will check back in when I return, but if you don't hear from me, I'm okay!

Daniele...where are YOU?

Steph

[vthompson]

Mindy - That was such a nice compliment about my cuties!! Thanks!! Also, thanks for the info about the boobs hurting with the pill. That is what I am hoping for! The coupons are a huge help!! Thanks! We are going through a can about every 2-3 days or so because the special formula they are on only comes in smaller cans. YUCK!

Ters- I have been thinking about you...is today your appt?

Lisa - I envy your schedule...we just cannot seem to get on one during the day. For example, right now, Corey is wide awake and Kayley is sleeping in the swing. I hope I am not starting some terrible habits. This morning, they both woke up crying at 7:30am, only 1.5 hrs since they last ate. I brought Corey into our room in his carrier and put Kayley in the boppy on our bed and they both fell fast asleep. I have done this before so that I can get some more sleep and they seem so content. Am I starting a terrible habit???

Does anyone notice that one of the baby's ears gets smashed over a lot by the way their neck/shoulders press against it? I hope that makes sense...Should I be worried?

DH took a vacation day today so it has been so nice having someone else at home!! I better go. Talk to everyone later.

Valerie

[sgarrett]

:sleepy: So tired today, Aiden has woke up every 1.5 to 2 hours to BF the past couple of nights! What gives, they were going for 5 hours and now this!:shrug:

congrats on those that are sleeping through the night!

I love all the new pics, we have gorgeous babies! I need to update mine but I have been soo busy with work.

Babies crying: Aiden squeals like a little school girl and Isabelle grunts and snorts when she is crying. :crazy: Pretty easy to tell them apart!


Valerie: I am always paraniod it will make their ears stick out! But I would not worry my first son was always lying with his ear all squished wrong and his are fine now.

Babies clothes: They are both in 3 - 6 month clothes now, they are growing so fast!

Steph: Have a fun trip!

Take care all,

Staci

[megzmom]

Ears-my boys ears look smooshed too because they sleep on their bellies/side of the head. They also have alot of ear wax behind the ear??? So many rolls. Luckily their necks arent so bad anymore. I make sure I clean it everyday to prevent that bad rash again.

Steph- I will be at Target on Monday the 4th. I have off and need to pick up the pictures. Will you be back? Iknow its labor day but if you arent doing anything I would love to meet :)

Hurricane-Steph and I both live in central FLorida. 2 years ago we got hit with 3 major hurricanes in 2 months. Please pray that Ernesto doesnt hit us. My power was out for 7 days, 3 days and 4days. My classroom is also in aportable to I pray all my work stuff is safe too. I cant imagine no power with 3 kids. How do I clean bottles? Yuck!!!!!!!!!!!!

sizes-3 to 6 here. Zack is almost in a 6-9!!!!!!!!!!!

[AndreaR]

I'm still in shock that Isabelle slept through the night. I'm not expecting it to happen again, but wouldn't THAT be great. Actually, Madeline still wakes every 3-4 hours, so it's not like I'M sleeping all night. I"m more excited about it as a milestone.

Yesterday they were alone in their room for a few minutes, together in the same crib. When I peeked in on them, they were holding hands and smiling at eachother. I thought I was going to die. I ran for DH (and the video camera), and we both just stood their watching them. I could really stare at them all day.

Everyone keeps telling us that things get better after three months. The girls will be three months old on Friday, and I think that things are definitely better. It's like we know what we're doing, and they know what to expect. We're still not on any schedule, but we seem to be doing okay.

Cries - They have different cries, for sure, but every once in a while one will sound like the other. I'm starting to be able to better differentiate the different cries that each has depending on the situation. Izzy has quite a few, and I usually know what she wants (a boob). Until very recently, Maddie only had one cry (LOUD AND SHRILL - like she was being pinched), but she's started to develop different cries. I didn't realize that it was a communication development thing. The Early Intervention lady told me that. I just thought she was being dramatic. Bad Mommy.

Well, they're three months old. I don't know how much they weigh, but I'm guessing Maddie is about 9.5 pounds and Izzy is over 11. They are both in size 0-3 months, although depending on the brand, some things are too big for Maddie or too small for Izzy. Madeline wears Huggies size 1 diapers, and Izzy wears Pampers Baby Dry size 1 (but only until we use them up, and then I'm going right back to the Swaddlers). According to "What to Expect the First Year" they are a little behind from a motor skills standpoint - they don't hold up their heads as well as the book says, but they're both pretty close. Madeline eats about every four hours, and she usually takes at least three ounces, sometimes four. She is still on 24 calorie formula. It's hard to say how much Isabelle gets, since I'm nursing.

I love looking at everyone's pictures. The babies get more beautiful every time I look at them. I really need to update my slide, but I think it takes way too long. Am I lazy or what?

Steph - Daniele had the boys' christening this past weekend, so I think she's been too busy to post. I did get an email from her the other day. Enjoy your trip - sounds nice!

Mindy - I think today was the day for your appointment. I've been thinking of you and praying for you.

Valerie - my girls ears stick out. I think Maddie looks like Yoda sometimes! And Isabelle has cupped ears. My pedi said that sometimes plastic surgeons like to fix them, but he thinks they'll be fine. Both girls' ears get folded over and smooshed when I'm holding them. One time Izzy's stuck like that! It must have been sweaty or something and caused some suction. It was pretty funny. Anyway, I'm just hoping that both girls are able to grow nice long hair to cover their ears!

That's it - going to bed. Hopefully for a loooooooong time. Oh, one question - has anyone joined a mothers group or any other organized activity? I'm going to make some phone calls this week. I'm starting to feel like I REALLY REALLY need to get out (and not go shopping).

xoxoxo
AndreaR

[AndreaR]

ps. Heather & Steph - good luck with Ernesto. I hope it turns out to be just a TS - or nothing at al.

[AndreaR]

WHERE IS EVERYONE?
I finally updated my slide. I still can't get my slide and a ticker. grrrrr

[mmzill]

The board has been really quiet the past few days. I hope everyone is ok.

Andrea - enjoyed your new pics.

Well the boys had their 5 month check up today (they should be 3 mos) Anthony is 13 lbs 10 oz and Nathan is 10 lbs 3 oz. So they are both doing really well. They both have thrush :( and Anthony has a slight ear infection, but they are really doing well. The dr was pleased with their progress.

I hope you are all having a good day.
~Monica

[Kimberly0206]

Wow Monica your boys have a big weight difference yet they still look very much alike is one taller as well. My boys still don't look alike.

[leticia]

Hello Ladies Not Sure How This Works But Im Interested In Knowing And Talking To Women Who Are Expierincing What I Am. Im 37 I Have Two Twin Boys 2 Months Old Born At 34 Weeks Fabian 4 Lbs 10 Oz And Daniel 4 Lbs. 15 Oz. Fraternal Twins But Cannot Tell Them Apart? Anyone Else With The Same Situation? And If So Any Ideas On How Not To Confuse Them??? Oh By The Way They Will Get Their Two Month Immunization Today Any Helpful Hints????will Wait For Response Thanks
....................leticia

[vthompson]

Real quick post...I made a mistake in my last post. I asked if Ters appt was yesterday, I meant to write Mindy. I am loosing my mind! Sorry!! So Mindy, did you have your appt yesterday and if so, how did it go?

[EBTwinz]

Just checking to make sure my slide works. I will write more later.

[LucasMom]

Quickly...

Yeah Lisa, your slide finally works!!! The boys look AWESOME!!!!:yippee:

Leticia-Welcome aboard! I will write in response later, but just checking in. I am at work.

Everyone--Don't yell at me, but I rescheduled my Doctors appointment for next Wednesday at 4:00 pm. I was too busy to leave work. I know, I know, that is very irresponsible, I need to think of myself first, I have already received the lecture from both Grandmother and mohter, as well as BF and DH. I promise I will go next week, and thank you all so much for thinking of me. To be honest, I am also chicken...you ever have that feeling that you don't WANT to know something, and maybe if you ignore it long enough it will go away? I have not discussed this with anyone including my family, but in all honesty I have been having some health issues since before my pregnancy, and sometimes I feel like I am avoiding the ultimate truth with it.
I look like the picture of health on the outside, but something is wrong on the inside, and I really don't want to know what it is, because all of the alternatives they have given me stink. Whatever, I have three beautiful, healthy children, and I want to be there for them, but I know it is not mature to think that what I don't know won't ultimately hurt me...

Anyhow, busy at work but thinking of all of you. Love the new pics from everyone.

Love,
mindy

[sgarrett]

Mindy: I guessed a missed some posts regarding your doc appointment but you really have me worried with your last post. I will keep you in my prayers, but please go to your doc - whatever it is the earlier they diagnose the better. So sorry you have something like this on you now during this special time in your life. :aww: You are in my thougts.

Leticia: Welcome! My DH is an identical twin and his mom painted one of their toenails to tell them apart. Good luck with the shots!

I love everyone's new pics - I have to update but I hardly have time to post!

What do the stars mean under our names?:shrug:

Take care all,

Staci

[Daniele'sTwins]

Trying to get a slideshow!

[Daniele'sTwins]

trying again

[megzmom]

Love all the new pictures!

Staci- the tongue picture is soo cute.

Monica-I love it. Are both boysthumb suckers???

[Daniele'sTwins]

ok, i figure my boys will be grown men by the time I figure out this slideshow!

[vthompson]

Just wanted to check in real quick...we have a bunch of errands to run today. Where is everyone been lately? Guess what ladies????? Kayley slept through the night and Corey only got up once last night!! I can't believe it. Of course, I am sure it was just a one night thing, but it is a start!!

Mindy - Please keep this next appt. I really think you will feel much better once you can stop wondering and thinking about all the what ifs. I know the what ifs are scary, but I really think everything will be fine. I am thinking about you and praying for you! Make sure you keep us posted.

Leticia - Welcome!! We are glad you joined us!

I love everyone's updated pics. I swear, we have the cutest babies!!

Lisa - I hope you can still meet, but I need to change the day to Thursday of that week you are visiting your parents. I have to pick the little boy that I babysit up from school on Wednesdays, I thought it was Thursdays. I hope that still works.

Heather and Steph - I am praying that you do not have to deal with the hurricane. I cannot imagine how scary that must be!

AndreaR - My twins also seem slightly behind with what all the books say. I really believe that being born 4 weeks early has a lot to do with that.

Ok, I really need to go now.

Valerie

[vthompson]

BTW, what do the stars mean?

[b34chg1rl]

hi everyone... boy, i guess i really better jump on the bandwagon and get my slideshow going, huh?! such a time issue though.

i also live in central florida (ernesto exited the state right over my house last night) but thankfully the storm turned out to be a big NOTHING. just some much-needed rain for us all. i had to evacuate twice in 2004 when i was 9 mos pregnant w/ my 1st baby. it was terrible. hopefully we won't have to evacuate at all this year for any storms. i guess that's the price we pay for living in the "sunshine state" :sunshine:

my boys are mostly just getting up once at night. we've been extremely lucky with them from the beginning. they have always known the difference between night and day. and they've been great at settling themselves! (don't hate me ladies, my first baby was a REAL challenge at night! i've paid my dues!) anyway, we don't have much in the way of a "schedule" during the day. we just play it by ear. actually, my boys are not the challenge these days, but my 22mo old! she's just at that age i guess... hope it passes soon!

bc... i got the paraguard (non-hormonal copper) IUD at my 6-week check-up. i haven't had any problems with it so far, but i also haven't gotten my period yet (still b/f), so we'll see...

i'm also a pampers' swaddlers user. with my 1st, i just loved huggies supreme, but this time around i'm loving the swaddlers. they have really improved over the last 2 years. funny thing is... when i was using huggies, i was getting pampers coupons out the a$$. now that i'm using pampers, i can't seem to find any coupons (but have plenty for huggies LOL). i contacted pampers about having twins, and they sent me a letter congratulating me and "here is a ONE TIME special offer" of coupons. well, i don't mean to sound ungrateful, but they sent a $5 coupon for a package of pampers and a $1 coupon for pampers wipes! i will go through that stuff in 3 days! are they kidding!? i guess something is better than nothing, but you'd think a huge company like that could do a little more for us twin mommies!! anyway, just had to vent...

do anyone elses' babies have exzema? we've just started using eucerin on them, hoping it will help. we're also using the aveeno baby wash for their baths. we're battling cradle cap too (which dr. says is related to the exzema) and poor murphy's hair is falling out. :(

sorry for such a long post... catch you all later!

[megzmom]

Shawna-Hi. My daughter also did better on Huggies (7yrs ago). I agree, Pampers has come a long way. Try going online to pampers.com and add yourself to their list. I get alot of coupons plus the sunday paper usually has a few a month. Like I said to others, add any neighbors or friends addresses and have them give you the coupons.

Ernesto-yeah he was wimpie wmpie wimpie for FL. Just much needed rain. Unfortunately, today we are getting his tail end and I am in a portable. yuck.

Eczema-my daughter had it horrible. Didnt know what it was for a long time. I love aveno. It did work but didnt cure it. Thankfully by the end of preschool it was pretty much gone.

[mmzill]

I have to agree, this thread has some very cute babies!!! I think mine are getting cuter and cuter. I think it's really neat how your kids grow on you. I mean you love them from the start, but as they get older, you start to really love them for who they are.

Mindy - your post worried me too. Whatever it is, I'm thinking about you and praying for you!

Valerie - so glad yours are starting to sleep better. Ever since Nathan started sucking his thumb, he has done much better at night! Last night he went down at 9 and didn't wake up till 6:30 this morning! Anthony is doing pretty well too, he was down by 8:30 last night and didn't eat until 4.

Thumb sucking - my dd never sucked her thumb, she still uses a passie, but Last wk Nathan started sucking his thumb.....he has become such a good baby. He callms himself down and will put himself to sleep now. I feel bad cause I think Anthony gets more attention. I'm just hoping it's not too hard of a habit to break.

Developmental stuff - my guys are behind for their age, but I can't blame them. They are very small 3 month olds, much less 5 mos old! They are holding their heads up really well though. They play with their hands and cue. So cute! Have not rolled over yet though.

Well, better get off here. Love you all!
~Monica

[mmzill]

Not that I have lots of time......but if you all have a picture of your kids that you want me to edit. I'll try to work on it. Just PM me and I'll give you my email address.

I will post the original pics that I doctored up so you can see what kind of thing I'm talking about.

[sgarrett]

Ok is anyone else still have babies that still wake up every couple of hours or is it just me? Having a stress attack here, they were doing pretty good sleeping 5 hours for their first initial sleep and now they have been up every 2 hours for the past week. I am so tired and groucy!

[christel]

Hi Everyone,

I haven't posted in a while... we have had nonstop houseguests and company for the past couple of weeks. It's great to see everyone, but I sure wish they would space it out, say over a year or so :)

The girls had their 4 month check up yesterday (2 months adjusted).

Ruby is 10lbs 8oz and 21 inches; Emme is 13lbs 5oz and 21 1/2 inches (we're neck and neck with you, Monica :) )

They got 4 shots each:cry: and got a great report from their pedi. They can start cereal, if they're interested and Ruby can go off of the 22-calorie formula :woo: We will definitely add cereal to Ruby's bottle and quit the AR formula - gotta be cheaper.


It was the House of Fussiness after we got home from the appointment. Ruby screamed for nearly 2 hours. Emme slept and woke every 20 minutes or so and just wimpered. It was so SAD! After the Tylenol kicked in they finally got some sleep and things were more normal afterwards. Their eating was a little off, but all is okay today.

Developmental Stuff - the girls HATE tummy time, but Emme holds her head up well and supports herself on her elbows. Ruby has a hard time with it. No rollovers. Lots of smiles and on the verge of laughing. Lots of cooing. Putting hands together, but haven't seemed to "notice" them.

Thumbsucking - only at hungry hungry times. It's kinda passive agressive. They do it really loudly and glare at me.

Mindy - don't know what's going on, but it sounds scary:worry:. I'm praying that when you get to your appt., everything is great, you feel great and there's nothing more to worry about :xfingers:

Monica - AMAZING pictures! I am way impressed!

New Mommies - Welcome! :)

??? Anyone found a good generic of Enfamil Lipil? What about a good generic of Pampers Swaddlers?

[vthompson]

Ok, this is a really long email I received, but it is SO funny...hope you enjoy!

LIZARD BIRTHING
If you have raised kids (or been one), and gone
through the pet syndrome including toilet flush burials for
dead goldfish, the story below will have you laughing out LOUD!

Overview:
I had to take my son's lizard to the vet.
Here's what happened: Just after dinner one night, my son came up to
tell me there was "something wrong" with one of the two lizards
he holds prisoner in his room. "He's just lying there looking sick," he told
me. "I'm serious dad, can you help?"

I put my best lizard-healer statement on my face and followed him into his bedroom.
One of the little lizards was indeed lying on his back, looking stressed.
I immediately knew what to do.

"Honey," I called, "come look at the lizard!"
"Oh my! gosh," my wife diagnosed after a
minute. "She's having babies."

"What?" my son demanded. "But their names are
Bert and Ernie, Mom!"
I was equally outraged. "Hey, how can that be?
I thought we said we didn't want them to reproduce," I accused my
wife.

"Well, what do you want me to do, post a sign
in their cage?" she inquired. (I actually think she said this
sarcastically!)

"No, but you were supposed to get two boys!" I
reminded her,(in my most loving, calm, sweet voice, while gritting my
teeth together).
"Yeah, Bert and Ernie!" my son agreed.
"Well, it's just a little hard to tell on some
guys, you know," she informed me(again with the sarcasm, you think?)

By now the rest of the family had gathered to see what was going on.
I shrugged, deciding to make the best of it. "Kids, this is going to be a wondrous
experience, I announced. "We're about to witness the miracle of birth."
"Oh, gross!" they shrieked. "Well, isn't THAT just great! What are we going
to do with a litter of tiny little lizard babies?" my wife wanted to
know. (I really do think she was being snotty here, too. Don't you?)

We peered at the patient. After much struggling, what looked like a tiny foot would appear
briefly, vanishing a scant second later. "We don't appear to be making much progress," I
noted. "It's breech," my wife whispered, horrified.
"Do something, Dad!" my son urged.
"Okay, okay." Squeamishly, I reached in and
grabbed the foot when it next appeared, giving it a gentle tug. It
disappeared. I tried several more times with the same results.

"Should I call 911," my eldest daughter wanted
to know. "Maybe they could talk us through the trauma." (You see a
pattern here with the females in my house?) "Let's get Ernie to the vet," I said grimly.

We drove to the vet with my son holding the cage in his lap.
"Breathe, Ernie, breathe," he urged.
"I don't think lizards do Lamaze," his mother noted to him.
(Women can be so cruel to their own young. I mean what she
does to me is one thing, but this boy is of her womb, for God's sake).

The Vet took Ernie back to the examining room
and peered at the little animal through a magnifying glass.
"What do you think, Doc, a C-section?" I suggested scientifically.
"Oh, very interesting," he murmured. "Mr. and
Mrs. Magnum, may I speak to you privately for a moment?"
I gulped, nodding for my son to step outside.

"Is Ernie going to be okay?" my wife asked.
"Oh, perfectly," the Vet assured us. "This lizard is not in labor.
In fact, that isn't EVER going to happen... Ernie is a boy.
You see, Ernie is a young male. And occasionally, as they come into maturity,
like most male species, they um....um....masturbate.
Just the way he did, lying on his back." He blushed, glancing at my wife.

"Well, you know what I'm saying, Mr. Magnum."

We were silent, absorbing this. "So Ernie's just...just...excited," my wife offered.
"Exactly," the vet replied, relieved that we understood. More silence.

Then my viscous, cruel wife started to giggle. And
giggle. And then even laugh loudly. "What's so funny?" I demanded, knowing, but not
believing that the woman I married would commit the upcoming
affront to my flawless manliness.

Tears were now running down her face. Laughing
"It's just...that...I'm picturing you pulling on its... it's...teeny
little..." she gasped for more air to bellow in laughter once more.

"That's enough," I warned.

We thanked the Vet and hurriedly bundled the lizards and our son
back into the car. He was glad everything was going to be okay.

"I know Ernie's really thankful for what you've done, Dad," he told me.

"Oh, you have NO idea!" Closed mouth, my wife agreed, collapsing with laughter.

2 - Lizards - $140...
1 - Cage - $50...
Trip to the Vet - $30...

Memory of your husband pulling on a lizard's winkie.....Priceless

Moral of the story - finish biology class - lizards lay eggs!

[AndreaR]

Hello Everyone -
It's nice to see everyone again. It was really quiet for a while there.

Mindy - I totally agree with what Valerie said. Please keep your next appointment. You have all of us behind you, and with that strength you know you can handle ANYTHING!

Monica - that is so nice of you to offer to edit our pictures. How do you find the time!??

Heather - Thinking of you in your portable classroom, hoping you stay dry...

Staci - Madeline still wakes up every 3-4 hours. I know that's not as bad as every two, but I'm still grouchy.

Isabelle's all-nighter (sleeping) was a one time thing so far. She's back to waking once during the night to eat. Last night she was WIDE AWAKE for over two hours (1 - 3:30)! She's never like that. It was pure torture. She was happy as could be, but would not go back to sleep. So she helped me make an anniversary card for DH (today is five years!). I think she really liked working with glitter glue.

Lisa - sorry about the schedule not working. I don't think you should give up on it, since it was working really well for a while. You need to have a talk with those ILs about letting them sleep. What does DH say? I am so direct about people not overstimulating/keeping them up. To the point where I am probably a big ol b*tch. But it's ME who pays the price when the girls are screaming bloody murder because they're over tired.

I am having a slight issue with my boobs (and I'm b/f'ing). One of my boobs in now ten times bigger than the other. It's always produced more milk than the other, but all of the sudden, it's HUGE. Any ideas?? I don't think it's blocked anywhere.

Self-soothing - well I never actually finished the book, and I never put anything into practice. I have to rock Isabelle to sleep every night. I've never been able to put her down while she was drowsy. She always cried, and I can't listen to her cry for more than about 30 seconds. I keep thinking that I'm going to start letting her cry herself to sleep, but isn't she too young for that now? I read somewhere that you shouldn't do that until their like six months old. So, in the meantime, aren't I making the problem worse?

Christel - I was totally laughing at your girls' passive aggressvie thumb sucking. Congrats on the great checkup!

Lisa - did EI look at Ehtan at all, or just Brady? Maddie is going to need PT, also. We're on a waiting list right now. Also, my girls go to bed very early, too. We start the evening routine at about 5ish. Bath, PJs, boob/bottle, rocking to sleep. Well, that's Izzy. Maddie gets to sleep in her chair until DH comes home, then it's sleeping on Daddy until we all go to bed. Another bad habit that I'm sure will be a total pain to break.... But anyway, as hard as it is to stop everything and get them ready for bed so early, it seems to work out really well most nights. They still get up in the middle of the night to eat, but they usually go right back to sleep. And most days we avoid any late-day fussiness.

Okay, sorry if I missed anyone. I'm exhausted. I can't wait to get to bed.

xoxo
AndreaR

ps. now the stars are paw prints...........what the heck??

[AndreaR]

Valerie - :funny: :funny:

[vthompson]

Lisa - I am so excited to meet!! I need to get the babies winter coats so I figured I could look for them at the outlets. I was thinking I could leave in the morning so that we could have lunch...what do you think? Then do a little shopping before I head back. Great news on the specialist! Kayley has a pretty big flat spot, too, they can wear helmets together!! :funny: I think your boys are so cute in their pics, BTW...they look all "pimped out"...like they know they are so cool!! Too funny!

AndreaR - I noticed the crazy paw prints, too!!! I wonder what they mean!

Christel - The thumb sucking is too funny!! Isn't amazing how they look at you sometimes with such dirty looks!! My twins also HATE tummy time...They scream their heads off within a few minutes!

Staci - Until last night, Corey still gets up every 3 hours...and believe me, I am not counting last night until I have many nights in a row like that...I feel your pain!

Heather - I am very glad to hear that the hurricane did not cause too much disruption for you!

Schedule - We really do not have a napping schedule during the day. Should I be worried about this? Kayley takes little cat naps and Corey takes longer naps. There is no set time, though. Also, we do not nap in our cribs. Corey usually naps in the swing and Kayley usually falls asleep in the boppy. I am paranoid now that I am doing something wrong!

So, I went shopping with the twins today and there was this lady in the elevator who had a baby that was also 3 months old. This baby was like 3 times the size of Corey, who is bigger then Kayley...Kayley can still fit into some of her newborn sized clothes! Anyways, this other baby was holding onto a toy with both hands and sucking on it. My babies don't do that yet. The closest they get is sucking one of their hands. They grab at toys sometimes, but they cannot pick toys up and put them in their mouths. I know we are supposed to adjust for being born early, but it still makes me paranoid when I see other babies the same age doing more.

Well, I am really tired, did not realize how tired until I sat down to the computer. Sorry that I did not reply to everyone!

Oh, BTW, I got my period today!!!! :clink: Not that I don't want anymore kids, just not right now! I have more then I can handle!

Valerie

[vthompson]

ok, this is really weird...I posted twice, so did AndreaR, and now our posts are not here...where the heck did they go? They were here last night?????

[vthompson]

I swear I am not loosing my mind...after I posted, then the other posts reappeared! You probably think I am crazy!

[sgarrett]

WE GOT A WHOLE 41/2 HOURS SLEEP IN A ROW LAST NIGHT:yippee: I feel like a new woman!

Christel: I cracked up at the passive aggresive thumb sucking - too funny.:funny:

Tummy Time: Aiden likes it and hold his head up pretty good, after a while he turns into a bobble head though. Isabelle hates it! She does not hold her head up as well either, but her head is twice the size of her brothers.

OK I just took my last BC pill in the pack last night and I am trying to decide if I should quit taking them. Heres the thing I do not want to be preggo right now, but I definately want maybe 1 or 2 more. We tried for 3 years to get preg this go round, I got preg immeidately but had a tubal pregnancy. They had to remove me left tube. They said there was no reason I could'nt get preg, but for some reason I did'nt. We finally did IVF to create my two little miracles I have now. (I also have a 17 year old son) We would not do IVF again, and I know you are most fertile after having babies. (or so I have heard) I am also 36 years old so I do not have a ton of baby making years ahead of me! It took me a while to find prince charming! (but gawd did I go through a ton of frogs!) So if I am most fertile right now could this be my only chance to get preg again? Another reason I want to quit is after going through IVF I just would like to be drug free for a while you know? I am so sick of taking extra hormones and stuff. :sigh: I guess I just do not want to be taking BCP if this is my most fertile time and could be my only chance to get preg again. Does that make sense? I just do not know what to do.

Staci

[Daniele'sTwins]

Felisha...I can't believe how much $hit you are going through. i am so sorry this is all happening to you and all at once! I do think it was a good move to quit the cheerleading thing though. I can't imagine having to go through all this and then volunteer for something. As for the "father"...WHAT A JERK! KARMA, KARMA, KARMA...don't worry it will all come back to him one day!

Mindy...When i read your post about canceling your appointment I was upset but then I realized i am doing the same thing with my MRI that is two yrs past due. I am going to make an appointment now as soon as I see my doctor in Mid September. I ws on the theory with no news is good news but now these boys are more important and they need mommy's health as much as their own.

Now, sorry I was gone for so long BUT my mil was here from Saturday to TODAY! AND...get this....MY TV in the living room wouldn't work! UGH. My mil wasn't too bad BUT she is still my mil. I never want to go through that again.

Val...I have a friend that has a baby that is 4 days yonger than my boys and can already roll over and suck his thumb but my kids are not doing any of that and they want their thumb so bad but can't get it in thier mouth.

I will be back

Daniele

[qbanmom5]

Hi gals, Just checking in. All is well. I don't know whats up with the paw prints, maybe it has to do with the number of posts we have written?

Mindy: Please go to your appt. Lisa (or Staci) is right that the earlier you know if it is anything, the better help you can get. I know its scary, but we are here for you and we love you.

Not much sleep going on here yet. Usually Leia does 4-5 hours at a time. Luke is still the 3-4 hour guy. But, as long as they go right back to sleep (60% of the time) I don't mind.

Work is o.k. I am looking for something else though cause I just can't get used to this crappy hourly pay and punching a time clock. I have a masters degree and am used to working independently. I just don't want to get back into social work, so I knew I would take a pay cut when switching careeers but I just feel like I can do more.

All is o.k. over here. The babysitter is heaven sent. My mom is still here waiting for her place to get finished up. She is sooo much the 6th child though. I have to make her special meals cause she won't eat hardly anything. I also have to nag at her to take a bath like I do the kids. My son wants his room back too. Soon it will be over.

No more news to report right now. Hope you are all well, and I miss you all. Your babies are soooo beautiful!!

Love, Ters

[Daniele'sTwins]

can someone please help me get my slideshow to work? i have it made already but what code do i take to put in my signature?

[LucasMom]

Hi everyone!

Danielle- I PM'd you.

So, how has everyones week been? Here is the really abbreviated version of the health issue story. Last year around this time, I blacked out while I was driving. Luckily, no one got hurt, but when I came to, my face and hands were numb and I couldn't turn my head because I thought I would pass out. The car was spinning and everything seemed upside down. They took me to the hospital, and the emergency room people couldn't figure anyting out, so I was kept on observation, and sent home with instructions to see a specialist. 10 appts. and 12 vertigo attacks lasting hours at a time later ( I saw a regular doctor, an opthomologist, an a neurologist specializing in strokes and MS), I had an MRA done. At this time, I was already pregnant, and when the Neur. came in with my MRA results, they found a spot on my Brain MRA (an MRI of your blood vessels) that could be either a mini stroke (a TIA) a brain tumor (he was pretty sure it wasn't this) or the onset of MS. The only way to know for sure was testing that would only result in treatment that was fatal to the pregnancy. Long story short, I never returned...I don't get the vertigo attacks anymore, just bad headaches and some loss of vision in my right eye which the opthomologist diagnosed as permanent. I happen to think it was a one time thing with the stroke, because I can't imagine it is MS. I am, truthfully, too scared to find out, and then with the breast cancer scare on top of that, I guess I just don't feel as though it could be possible. I am the woman who doesn't "do" doctors. I feel fine 90 % of the time. My children, I will call the doctor in a heartbeat, but for myself, until something gets really bad, I can treat it with tylenol or a heating pad. So, as I said before, I am being irresponsible by not following up, but should there be anything wrong for real, I am so happy in my life right now that I don't feel prepared to have that taken away. I think my brain is fine. I think the breast scare is a product of the pregnancy, and it will go away too. I feel healthy! Danielle, do you know what I mean? I remember you saying you had your own scare with the twisted blood vessel. But hearing my options being presented as those three options, well, I just don't think so. I needed to get through my pregnancy and be happy during that stressful time, so I chose to let it go for awhile. I guess I feel intuitively that it is ok?

Felisha--HI!!! Welcome back. I missed you. Sorry for all your poopy situations lately. I hope that all that stuff was the end of your bad luck and now only GOOD things happen to you. You are a wonderful person and an inspiration.

Staci- tough choice...are you ready for another baby (possibly two?) in 9 months?

Val- No paranoia necessary! It is helpful to the babies to have them on a schedule because children thrive off of schedules, but don't beat yourself up over it. It doesn't have to be an exact science, or a rigid schedule, but some sort of general layout of how the day goes, so they get used to knowing when things will happen is very helpful to you and them. It also helps to lay the groundwork for the older infant and toddler ages. Lucas is going to be four at the end of November, and he still naps from 1-3 every day, which really helps us on the weekends. If you need any help, pm me! Also, funny email about the lizard and congrats on the period!

AndreaR- Sorry about the one time sleeping event, but it is a sign of things to come! The boob thignsounds like it could be mastitis? Is it painful? I hope you are getting it checked out! Have you tried hot compresses? Look at me, the pot calling the kettle black!

Monica- Beautiful pics!!

Lisa-Damn IL's!! Logan and Dylan both get cranky at 6:00ish, and I put them down for an hour nap. I wake them at no later than 7:30, and keep them awake until 8:30-9 for that last bottle. I would say on most nights, I start feeding the last bottle by 8:30 and they are asleep by 9. It keeps them asleep until 6:30. Maybe the crankiness can be soothed by a quick nap? They are on a morning hour long nap, an afternoon 3 hour or so nap and and evening hour long nap. They sleep great. Also, the schedule will never be perfect, just an outline of how we'd like the day to go, so don't beat yourself up too hard. Just keep at it, and make adjustments as you see fit until it works for you.

OK, i have to go start the day! Sorry if I didn't get back to everyone, but thinking of all of you and your beautiful little ones. Yeah for the return of fall weather. Fall is my favorite fashion season!! Bring on the knee high boots!

Love and hugs!

Mindy

[sgarrett]

Mindy: I completly understand your need to enjoy this time in your life, the thought of something seriously being wrong right now is just to horrible to think about. I had a breast cancer scare about 3 years ago, it was a horrible experience. My mother and grandmother both died of breast cancer, it is my greatest fear. That being said, even if you do not realize the "not knowing" is stressing you subconciously. I am sure everything is fine, surely there would be other symptons if that was not the case. But you have to hear this affirmation from a doctor and put this behind you. I am so sorry you are going through this, my heart ached for you when I read your post. But please put and end to this and go to the doc. You will so much better finding out that your gut feeling is correct.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday weekend. Love to you all!

Staci

[vthompson]

Hello Everyone...pretty slow around here this weekend!

Mindy - I cannot imagine going through all of those tests and doctors. I completely understand what you mean about enjoying your life right now. Having the twins and your son I am sure makes your life happy and complete. The thought of anything less right now is unbearable to think about. However, I agree with Staci, it is obviously on your mind right now. Finding out for sure that everything is ok will help ease your mind and move on. We will all be anxious to hear how the doc goes this week. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for the advice about the napping. We definitely have a schedule, I guess, just not rigid. I let them tell me when they are ready to nap. We get up, eat, get dressed. I then shower while they play in their cribs. Then we go downstairs and play on the mat. Usually, after that, they are getting cranky so they take a nap. We get up, eat, play, and then usually nap. However, it is not an exact science. Do your children nap in their cribs? I was actually wondering how many people have the babies nap in their cribs. We don't...is that wrong?

Felisha - I cannot believe how much is going on in your life right now...especially with that son of a bi***. I am proud of you for not giving up on the legal side of things. Obviously, he is much too indecisive to rely on him paying you the money you deserve for your children...I think he will need some "legal nudging". I am so amazed by your strength! Keep it up!

Staci - It sounds like you have a very hard decision to make right now. I cannot imagine having to weigh all those what ifs. All I can say is try and do what your heart is telling you to do. Maybe you could make a list of all the positives and negatives for each situation...at least that would help you put things into perspective.

Has anyone been feeling extra disgusted by themselves lately...especially the gross flabby stomach? I looked down today and I was totally and completely disgusted to see all that flab hanging down. I am at my prepreg weight, but now I have all this extra skin...how can any man be attracted to that? DH always makes me feel sexy, but I can't help and think that someday, he will be equally disgusted! I just feel like it will never go away...but on the same note, I don't do anything to make it go away...with the babies, I don't eat very well, just grab what I can at that moment and I certainly don't exercise! UGGHH...

Well, I wanted to post more, but I am pretty tired and DH just brought some yummy popcorn up to eat...and I wonder why I feel like a fat a**!!

Valerie

[LucasMom]

Val- I pm'd you..

WHERE IS EVERYONE?? You don't get holidays off around here!!!!:lol:

Taking the afternoon off to go to the doctor on Wednesday. You guys are as bad as my grandmother with the guilt! I will let you know.

As you can see from my new pic, the boys have been eating cereal dinners for about a week and a half. They are sleeping 11 hours a night now. You will all be there soon, if you aren't yet. Remember I have some of the oldest babies on the board ( Besides Jill and Monica and Belinda?!! I didn't forget you , mommies!), and probably the heaviest, so give them all a few weeks and they'll be there. Keep up the good work to all of you! Almost this time last year, we were getting pregnant. Can you believe it's been three months or more since we were waiting for these little babes to make their appearance?

Dh starts his new job tomorrow and things are about to get more hectic. He will be working some nights and weekends which will mean alot more time alone with all three kiddies. A welcome challenge, and perhaps a chance at weight loss, as I will be running my a$$ off and having no chance to sit down and eat! Here's hoping! I am down to pre preg weight, but stuck there and would like to lose another 15 lbs.

Hugs mamas,
Thanks for all of your support and understanding.
Mindy

[vthompson]

Lisa - I just wanted to let you know that I got the coupons in the mail. Thank you SO much!! We really need all the help we can get!

Mindy - I love the new pics...so cute!! I am going to read your pm right now! I am so glad you are going to the doc this week!! Keep us posted.

Guess What??? Kayley AND Corey slept through the night last night!!! Don't get too excited, though...I think it was a one time thing. Corey would not fall asleep last night, kept crying and crying. We ended up putting him in his carrier and he fell right asleep. Therefore, I do not think it will happen again any time soon!

Valerie

[vthompson]

Mindy - I pm'd you back!! :sunshine:

Valerie

[christel]

Hi Ladies,

I called Enfamil on Friday and asked for more coupons... they're starting to dry up. They said "yes" they would send more and if they start to dry up again, just call back! Here's the Enfamil #: 866-422-2912. They also said to call my pedi and ask them to contact their formula rep for us.... which I did and am hoping to hear from the rep early this week.

Also, has anyone browsed this site? http://www.familysleep.com/age_and_sleep_patterns__3-4.htm
They have some great sleeping tips and I've found it to be really helpful. I've been reading about how to establish good naps now that night time sleep is going well.

Gross extra twin skin - check double check! I disgust myself when I look in the mirror. I still have 30 more pounds to lose to get to pre-pg weight and it will be even looser and jigglier then! And it's covered in tiger stripe stretch marks, too. Do sit-ups and crunches even stand a chance against that stuff? I HATE working out. I don't think you should run unless someone is chasing you. I don't like to sweat and ice cream is one of the few things I look forward to right now. Uggghhh!

Oh! We gave the girls cereal for the 1st time yesterday. It was hillarious :funny: And soooooo messy! I'm thinking we should strip them naked and feed them in the bathtub next time :lol: I put the pics in my siggy.

[kneuman]

Hi-
My name is Kristen and I've been following all of your stories (indirectly) for months now and I feel like I already know a lot about you! My girls (Morgan & Haylee) were born on Mothers Day May 14 '06. They are doing excellent. It is so nice to see people dealing with the same frusterations, questions and excitment that we are.
Our biggest issue is feeding. Someone always ends up crying out of frusteration (usually me) because of various reasons. What is everyone using at feeding time? Are you doing cereal in bottles, by spoon or not at all?
Morgan also tends to get very consitpated and the only answer I've gotten for that is "use water and karo syrup but dont' let it interrupt the bottles". I can't find the right time to introduce that either!
Can anyone give me some advice. thanks! I look forward to talking to everyone more in the coming months.
~Kristen:crazy:

http://b1.lilypie.com/sSdem4/.png (http://lilypie.com)

[christel]

Hi Kristen :)

Welcome. What are you feeding your girls? Formula? What kind? What are the issues that cause frustration? Do your girls spit up alot? If so, cereal in bottles could be a solution. My girls just had their 4 mo. check up and their dr. said we could start cereal w/ a spoon or put it in bottles.

As far as constipation goes... is it just days between bm's or is she having trouble having a bm in general. If it's just a matter of days between dirty diapers but she's not having trouble actually going and the bm doesn't look like hard pellets, then she's probably not constipated. Formula babies can go up to a week w/out a dirty diaper and that's considered normal.

HTH,
Christel

[kneuman]

Haylee has been on soy and Morgan has been on regular similac. If I can get them to eat the nipple isn't giving them enough or its giving them to much. Lately though, they just don't want to eat...especially if you hold them! They were eating about 22 - 24 ounces a day and its dropped. Not drastically but anywhere between 18-20 most days.
I had been putting cereal in their bottles for about a month but that got to be such an issue with the nipples as well. I tried to poke holes to allow for the formula but then it was just pouring out. I can't win!!!
I've tried doing the cereal with the spoon thing. So far its a lot of mess / work for not much eating. I don't know that they've actually eaten anything. And I think, at this time, shouldn't I concentrate on making sure they get the nutrition from formula versus filling them with rice?
Morgan tends to have issues when going potty. She has on occassion SCREAMED and its not fun. Both girls tend to have pretty firm BM. I've talked to the doctor about a month ago and they just wanted an update at my next appointment (later this month).
Thanks for your help
Kristen

[vthompson]

Kristen - Welcome!! We have had A LOT of tummy issues in this house!! Both babies have been on 3 different kinds of formula...knock on wood, we think we finally have a winner!! My daughter Kayley was having a lot of the problems you were describing with the screaming while trying to have a bm. It turned out that she has a milk allergy. You may want to try both girls on soy...if that doesn't help, which it did not for us, you may want to make another change. We are currently on Alimentum, which is also from Similac. It is more expensive then the other formulas from Similac, but it seems to be working (again, knock on wood!!). Hope that helps!!

Christel - Thanks for that website...I found a lot of great info on it, especially about napping! Where do you put your babies to nap? Also, are you putting them to nap 2 hours after they get up , like the site suggested...or do you have set nap times? I was actually wondering what all of you ladies were doing in regards to this...

Valerie

[twinsmakethree]

hey everyone!!

I have been reading the post but have not had a chance to post now that i am homeschooling again and right now i only have a sec. so this will be brief

Mindy- im glad you are feeling guilty!! well not that your feeling guilty but that you are going wed. please let us know what happens i know you wont get results the same day but let us know regardless. I have been in your boat before and because my mom died of cancer i always get the feeling it can be me then i find out as you probably will it was more of nothing, which is great!!

clothes size- my girls are wearing 6-9 months in most clothes Nusaybah actually put on size 12 pants sunday and they fit!!! I thought for sure they would be too big but she has a fat a$$ unlike her momma( who wish she had something cushiony to sit on)!!!

diaper size- we are going out of diapers so fast nusaybah is a size three and ruwaydah is size 2 i havent tried swaddlers yet but i do like huggies

Loose skin- yup check, although i lost 10 more pounds which is crazy because i am always eating!! I went to wic and the nutritionist said hmm you are kind of on the slim side is there something you want to do about that( im 5 10 and now 144,at least thats what their scale says) i was ready to run out of there it is becoming a touchy subject with me!! they can look at my girls and see where everythings going, but anyway yes yes yes i have loose skin and its disgusting!!

sex- ladies i need help i always had a very huge sex drive now i dont have anything i mean nothing well sometimes a twinge but very rare everyime i think i want to all i can anticipate is pain and then i dont enjoy it as much, i thibk it comes from the fact the first time we did it after the girls i felt like a virgin again and even when hes being gentle i seem to get nervous. Also i have noticed blood afterwards( matter of fact this happened after exercising as well so i stopped doing pilates the dr. said all looked fine) and the fact it takes me a minute to get lubricated. can anyone help me i feel if i keep going at this rate my hymen might grow back:crazy:

valerie- what i did for nap time was first wrote down the times they would begin to get cranky after noticing a pattern i worked around those times now sure enough when 11 am hits they bust out crying and end up napping sometimes for an hour sometimes less they nap 2x a day
ok have to clean a booty

Andrea

[qbanmom5]

Hi all,

Mindy: You and your beautiful family are in my prayer. You will be fine, don't worry.

Val: I can't stand looking at myself either. I am about 12 lbs over my pre preg weight which was like 12 pounds over what I would love to be. I am still hoping that it will go away, but like you, I am not doing anything about it. Mine don't nap in the crib either. Mainly because I have the crib in my room and since the sitter is here all day with them I just don't feel right with her coming in and out of my room. She goes in there to get their change of clothes or whatever she might need but I just don't want her like hanging out in there. I also don't like them all the way in the room while I am trying to get stuff done (dinner, dishes, homework, etc).

No sex drive and no lubrication ...Check! Sorry about the pain though. I don't know why that is, but I would ask the dr. if there is maybe something he could prescribe or something?

Leia screams bloody murder while pooping 80% of the time. She was really constipated about a month ago and she would scream and sweat and push just to get a tiny little nugget out. Then, she started having pasty bms and she would still scream so I thought it was irritating her skin. Well, we go through a tube of desitin a week and she is totally covered at all times but she still screams. I feel so bad, what could it be? She has no diaper rash at all, and even after she is wiped, coated with desitin, and has a fresh diaper she continues to scream. It is heart wrenching cause she actually has tears coming out of her eyes. What else did Kayley do that made you guys switch to alimentum? They are doing well on soy other than the screaming. Come to think of it, it started around the time we switched to soy.....

GOtta go get ready to watch Big Brother. Any fans? I absolutely love Will.

Love to all, Ters

[Daniele'sTwins]

Mindy & Staci...Thank you SO much with your slideshow help...Finally got it to work!

Mindy...I am so glad that you are going to the doctors tomorrow. I know you will be fine too but it is so good for our piece of mind. I think about you all of the time! xoxoxox

Extra belly skin...check. My DH does this skin treatment that is supposed to tighten up loose skin (face, neck, arms, belly etc) he says it works well but I have yet to have a minute let alone an hour to go to his office to do it. It is called Thermage.



Baby Constipation...that happens to Luca and I just take a rectal temp and he poops right away. I have done this twice.

Car...Okay, I chickened out and did NOT get the van. My girlfriends said they would never speak to me again...lol. That's really not why...I swore I would never do it and I thought about it too long and said no way so we got a Escalade with the extended cab. It is pretty big!

DH...I know he works VERY hard and I love him for it BUT tonight he came home and the boys were all smiles. I asked him if I could just run upstairs to pay bills etc and he said that he had to do work. I did not want the boys to not be played with so I stayed downstairs. We ate dinner and then he sat on the couch and watched some damn poker. Then I asked him to feed Nico so he did then he put him in the swing and played poker on the internet! I thought he was playing with them ( I was in the kitchen cleaning up and talking to a friend) when I stuck my head back in the living room I saw him on the computer with both boys asleep in the swings! I flipped out! I was so mad I yelled at him that the boys are never going to learn how to roll over by being plopped in the swing all of the time. He told me that he was tired and wanted to relax a little bit. Am I wrong to think he should want to come home and play with his boys as a way to relax? I know AndreaR has said that her DH will just hold the baby but at least he HOLDS HER!



By the way Nico slept from 10-7:30 and Luca 10-7:00 last night! I cried I was so happy! I hope it will be tonight too!

Steph...where have you been?

Oh yeah...a friend told me about this "floor nanny" so I bought two and I LOVE them! Check it out...

www.floornanny.com

Val... I am started a REAL diet today! I feel ya!


I know that I have to write more but I am just so tired. I will write more tomorrw.

Love You All!
Daniele

[Daniele'sTwins]

OH yeah.. Val...crib napping. I am starting to do it. I have been doing it for the morning nap. I feel scared that they will rely too much on those damn swings!

[mmzill]

Hey ladies! I hope everyone had a good holiday weekend.

Extra tummy skin and more....CHECK! I think i'm struggling a little with post partum depression. This weekend I was getting dressed to go to church and nothing fits. I'm so ready to not be this big anymore.....but I'm too lazy to do anything about it. I guess I've just not been feeling well about myself. I have never been one to be depressed, but I've just got the blues. Sat night Anthony was crying and wouldn't stop, I just wanted to put him down not so nicely (actually that's not quite true, but I don't even want to say what I really thought). I didn't of course, but the urge was there. I feel bad thinking that way and it hasn't happened since. But it made me a little scared. Sunday I did go for a walk and Monday, my dh got up and fed dd, so I slept till around 10, so that was nice. I would love to go work out everyday, but who has time for that???

Nap time - My guys normally nap where ever, either the co-sleeper, their crib, or the pac n play downstairs, and sometimes in their bouncy chairs. I have a monitor on if they are upstairs and I am down, so that I can hear them.

Cereal- I've been hesitant to start that on my boys even though they will be 5.5 mos old soon. They don't seem very interested in food yet, so I'm not starting the rice cereal yet. I'm looking forward to it though, I think feeding them is so much fun. Such a mess!!!!

No constipation here. Probably the Breast milk.......they are the poopingest boys! They go at least 4 times a day. Not to mention the pee diapers.

No sex drive here either and dry as a bone! My dr gave me an estrogen cream Rx, but I haven't filled it yet. I understand that it really helps with elasticity. My sister uses it and says it really helps.

Daniel - good to hear from you. Sorry about the DH problems. My husband hardly ever holds the boys just for fun. He helps give a bottle in the evening, but if they are done and burped down they go. I don't get it. So what if he works all day....we do too!

Mindy- hope your appointment goes well tomorrow. I'll be thinking about you. The new pics are precious.

Well, both boys are rolling over from belly to back and holding their heads great. They are definetly developing slower than dd, but oh well, they seem very healthy. Anthony has a really strong grip. I was playing with them today and at one point Anthony just started to giggle. It was so cute.

I'm off to bed. It's late and i'm really tired. Hope all the babies sleep good tonight!:sleepy:

[christel]

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

Arrgghhh! I just spent like 3 years typing a post and I got logged out and lost it!!!!

Ok, trying again.

Very frustrating last night. We have got to figure something else out. DH was late getting home (sent him to the grocery store on the way home from work). I BF the girls and as soon as he hit the door they were ready to move on. So we did the cereal thing again... Bumbos on dining table, we sit in front of them and try to hit their mouths. They wore most of it. They were not getting enough, so we gave bottles, too. Then, right to the bathtub. By the time we were done it was mabye 30 min. until time to start the last feed. They went into swings and we scarfed sandwiches. Ruby didn't sleep and started crying and then really worked her self into a case of the screamy meanies. Emme conked out and we couldn't get her awake to eat. I finally got them both latched - Ruby's still crying and Emme keeps falling back asleep. Ruby swallowed so much air crying that now she's hungry, sleepy and gassy. It was miserable. We were all miserable. We finally got them tucked into bed around 10:15.

I think we're going to treat cereal more like an exercise instead of a feeding until they get the hang of it. That was too much time and effort for nothing. They're not quite ready for spoon feeding.

Ok - naps...
I almost always put them in bed for naps. I'm scared to use the swings too much - don't want them to need them to fall asleep. They sleep sepeate for naps & together at night (swaddled)

They usually wake up around 7AM and I BF and then they're ready to go back to sleep. I don't know if this qualifies as a nap.

They eat again around 10, BF + bottle this time; play and then nap for about an hour close to noon. Same thing starts over between 1 & 2pm. Then, I rambled above about the 5pm routine that will be changing. The last feed starts between 8 & 9 and to bed.

The familysleep site said to look for naps developing around 9, 12 & 3. So I guess we're headed there. It also said the naps will start getting longer and to use a soothing ritual. Anyone have a soothing ritual for naps? I want a short one :) that's different from the bedtime routine.

[christel]

Oh, I forgot...

Rolling - not yet. For those of you w/ rollers, how much tummy time did your twins have before they started rolling?

Sex drive - gone. DH would like it back. Hurts, too... it's the sahara down there... even w/ assistance.

Diets - anyone have one that's working. I'm scared to start anything too aggressive b/c of BF.

[megzmom]

Hi all. Sorry havent posted all weekend. The free internet access in my area isnt working lately so I am back to posting on my breaks. School is so much harder this year. They have added so many mandates on lesson plans, teesting, etc that I dont feel like I am teaching. Plus they have me as a mentor plus I am in a book study on Tuesdays.

I am really jealous of you all that get to stay home with the babies. I know some of you wish to go back. I guess you always want what you dont have.? But really I dont know what there schedules are like during the day. Luckily it all works out by the evening. I feel kind of jealous of my MIL becasue she says things like oh yeah they are smiling all day and Ben is sucking his thumb. I feel like she is telling me about my babies. I get to see them only from 4:30-9:30. Most of that is fussy time, sleep for 20 min fussy again. The best time is their nighttime ritual which is great for us.

8:00 feed by spoon (using the bouncy chair) cereal along with bottle with a little more cereal Y nipple.

8:30 -9:00 bath I give them the bath and play for a few minutes on my bed until they get fussy.

9:00-9:30 dh has one and I have the other. Rock to sleep. out for the count

They dont wake up until 6:30-7:30!!!!

God has been good to me. Working full time hasnt been to hard because I havent been sleep deprived (I pray it stays that way ;) )


Sex drive-I guess I am a little different. Mine is back but I think I owe it to dh. For the first time every he now initaties it, so even though I feel like a whale with too much blubber belly he is making me feel desired YEAH !!!

got to go...breaks over...

[LucasMom]

really quick because I am at work and have to leave for my doc appt. shortly

Lisa- Guess what? My boys are whiny and spit up and all those annoying things too! I think we all just post the positives more exuberantly than the negatives. I am sure everyone will agree with me that as mothers, we are all excited to post the accomplishments and not so eager to post the bad stuff. Your children are beautiful, healthy babies and they should be whiny and annoying at times. Thats what makes them kids. As they get older, the good things outweigh the bad and they become little people with a little bit of you in them, and as you see that, you love them more and more. I told you , JC and went through a very rough time after Lucas was born, and I wanted out. You need to pinpoint the issue with Dh. Is it how he treats you? It is your lonlieness rubbing off and complicating the situation? Do you need more together time? Or alone time? All these questions need to be asked of yourself and you need to find the answer. I hate to see you so down on yourself. I really think we should get together, and maybe if you see that all twin moms have a rough time and are not perfect, you will see that you are doing a great job! I miss you when you don't post, so don't you let anything stop you from coming on here. This is a safe place for you to talk, where no one will judge you! You should also know that Lucas was def. affected by our relationship troubles. Not long term affected, but his demeanor as a baby was noticably different when we were fighting or not at all loving towards each other. This was the impetus for us working on our poopy relationship, so maybe that will be a starting point for you. alot of times, people use the excuse that they did it for the kids, but it really does help when you have a "reason" to fix things...

Love,

Mindy

[mmzill]

Lisa - My DH can be really critical too. I don't think he means to be, but he can say something, and it's just the tone of voice that makes me feel like crap. I think it's especially worses because I stay home, so I look to him for a glimpse of the outside world. I used to work and enjoyed it alot, so now that I don't it's hard. I think parenting becomes a lot less work when they get mobile. I know with dd, it got alot easier around 5 mos. She was sitting up on her own and could entertain herself. Then like a month later she was crawling. With my boys it's taking much longer to get them to sit up, but I know they will eventually. By the time she was 1 it was so much fun. And my dh was way more involved because she could interact with him. Sorry you are lonely. I am too. All of my family is like 6 hrs away or more and I really don't have any friends here close to do stuff with. Today I did walk to the library (about 4 blocks) to see what kids things they have going, maybe I can meet some other mommies to do stuff with. It felt good to get out of the house.

Well, everyone is about asleep. Maybe I should take a nap too. Love you all!
~Monica

[sgarrett]

Ok I have missed alot so here goes the marathon response

Felisha: Man you have been through some crap! I am so sorry to hear about everything, I have to admit I did laugh about the dog crapping on the curtains! Sorry! BTW I went thourgh CSS in TN for my first son, they took forever but suddenly w/o notifying me they started garnishing me ex's paychecks and sending me the child support. Good Luck!

Lisa Monica Mindy: I understand where you are coming from with the babes development, and the frustrations on raising two babies. Mine are no where near rolling over, they do not grasp toys yet, they spit up constantly and or projectile vomit, I have not been able to get them on a schedule, the night time routine is horrible with either one or both screaming for two hours before we can finally get them down and they have never slept through the night. It is very hard at times, I too just want to put them down and get the he$$ away for a minute to calm myself down, sometimes that just what you have to do. It does not make you a bad mom, even when you have those awful thoughts, you are a great mom b/c you do not act upon them. Who would'nt go a little nuts with someone SCREAMING in their ear? I challenge Mother Theresa and Ghandi on that one!

constipation: Isabelle struggles with pooping too, have you tried a teaspoon per 2ozs of formula of prune juice? It seems to help her, we will do it for the morning bottle and the evening.

Sex: My drive is trying to come back but it is not there. The warming KY jelly is my friend. I think a big part of my problem is I am SO overwieght right now. I had gained a good 30 lbs before getting pregnant, I think it was a combo of being depressed b/c I could not conceive and all the fertility crap I took. Now I am whopping 50lbs over where I should be, and yes I have the gross loose skin that hangs over my C section scar. My dh is wonderful about trying to make me feel sexy but who is he kidding I have eyes! I would not want to screw me!!! I want to try a diet (even though I am not very good in that department) but I am scared to with Breastfeeding. Southbeach is a great one but can you do that while BF? I swear every week I am going to start an exercise program, but my god I have a teenage son who in his senior year of high school, twins and work full time - when do I exercise???

Lonliness: It is really hard to find friends right now. I moved to TN about 6 yrs ago and I had gotten a little circle of running buddies, but then I got married and now have new babies. It is hard to find people who can relate. I so wish we all lived close, I would love to have someone to "hang" with who also has babies! But of course, where do you fit that in the schedule!

All this being said, I do feel very blessed in my life, I have a great realtionship with my DH, my older son is a wonderful teenager, and the babies are healthy. I do not want to sound like I am complaining but we all definately have a lot of the same issues. We will all get through this together!

Love you all:throb:

Staci

[kneuman]

Thanks everyone for the advice on the formula. I officially have both girls on Soy now so we'll see. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Morgan has done the heart wrenching cry too, although not every time. Knock on wood, its been awhile. I called my doctor on this and all they could say is that she was probably dehydrated and the poo was hurting her. They recommended the karo syrup and water thing. I haven't done it though. When it gets super bad I'm done the baby supository and wow does that help.

It is frusterating that husbands tend to put so much stuff before the babies isn't it????? I really try to tell mine that this stage will go so quickly and enjoy it while you can. He does a great job most of the time. I do have to help him align his priorities every now and then :)

I really try to get Haylee and Morgan in their cribs for naps but it seems like they aren't on the same schedule and its a lot more hassle than its worth at this point. For the most part though, they are on the floor on their backs or tummys. They both have rolled over, nothing with any regularity but its happen. :clap:

They are doing really well for sleeping. They usually go down for the night between 10 and 11p and get up between 5:30-7a. I get up, do a feeding and they usually sleep until 9. So its great. Now if I would only go to bed at a decent time we'd be all set.

I hate comparing the girls to other babies but I do. They are such little peanuts compared to every other baby I come in contact with on a day to day basis. They are approx 4 months and still in most of their 0-3 months close. Oh well, I'm really getting a lot of use out of those outfits and I think they are pretty average when compared with other twins. Its just weird to me because they didn't really start out that small.

I don't have the same feelings about my post baby weight as everyone else seems to. I was lucky, only gained 12lbs and after they were born was 30lbs lighter than when i got pg. (I'm heavier to begin with) What really sucks for me is I'm putting it all back on !!!!!! Son of a !!!! My husband has never been a big sex guy to begin with so I don't really know the difference. . .and he wasn't an overally affectionate or complimentary person either. Sooooo, I have to pump myself up when needed.

I want to add a slide show!! How do I do it? I uploaded all the photos. . .have the big long code. . .now what?
-Kristen
http://b1.lilypie.com/sSdem4/.png (http://lilypie.com)

[christel]

Staci - I thought about S.B. Diet, too, but trashed it b/c of BF. I think the 2 weeks of no-carbs would not be a good idea. When I've done S.B. pre-pg, those 2 weeks left me dragging a$$, so I can't imagine what it would be like now.

I'm about to look online for a BF friendly weight loss plan. Here's hoping it includes chocolate :lol:

[sgarrett]

Kristen: Ok if you have your slide created do this
1. Login into www.slide.com
2. click on "myslide' at the top of the page
3. Click on "add to a webpage" next to your slide show
4. Click on "can't find what you're looking for? Try Here!" on the right
5. Copy the code from this section, it should be only 470 long.

Good luck

Christel: Please share what you find on the BF friendly diets! Maybe we can be online diet buddies!:)

Staci

[LucasMom]

Quickly,

I am OK!!! :yippee: :yippee: :yippee:
She wants to see me back in 8 weeks, on Nov. 1st to see if any changes have occured, at which time they will do a biopsy, but she thinks it's hormonal and will go away on it's own!!!

Gotta go make dinner.
Hugs all and thanks again for your support.
Mindy

[mmzill]

Yeah!!!!! Mindy!!!!! I'm so happy!!!!!!:clap: :clap: :clap:

[qbanmom5]

Mindy: I am so glad. I bet you feel such relief!! And aren't you glad you went? Sorry if I sound like your mom and grandma! Hugs and kisses!

Lisa: Did you tell your dr. you aren't taking the zoloft? Sorry if I sound like a parent again, but they take a while for you to feel anything at all. Like 2-4 weeks. Maybe you could try another one? I tried zoloft when I had PPD with DS #1 and it didn't work at all. I was discouraged and figured that I would just live with it, but when I tried Prozac I felt 100% better. I even remember kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Please? You need to feel good in order to be able to survive the stress and hard work of having twins. Let me know what you think.

What is the south beach diet? Is it like atkins? I need an easy one and not eating carbs is almost impossible for me.

Ters

[vthompson]

I am SO glad that I logged on tonight!! I am feeling SO mommied out and it was so nice to read everyone's posts and know that what I am feeling is completely normal. I truly do not know what I would do without you laides!!

Mindy - YEAH!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: We told you it would be ok!!! Your repsonse to Lisa was full of so much wisdom and understanding! I really think that I am learning to be a better mom with your advice and everyone else's! BTW, whatever happened to the modeling agency that was looking at the babies?

Lisa - If you want to get together sooner then October, we can plan on something. We could try and meet halfway or I can even make the drive out to you. I just do not want you to feel lonely. Maybe a cup of coffee together or some lunch would make you feel better. Let me know. And Mindy was correct, we all have a tendency to post all the positive things that are happening and not the negative things. I was actually coming on here tonight to vent my frustrations with Corey. He is just such a miserable baby sometimes, and lately, it has been really bad. He completely REFUSES to sleep unless he is in his carrier. As soon as we lay him down in his crib the past 3 nights, he screams. Kayley spits up all the time. Sometimes I wonder if that darn Zantac even does anything besides make her gag when she takes it. She REFUSES to nap during the day. Believe me, you are not alone. I am definitely feeling all of the same frustrations as you. As for DH, I really think you need to sit down and talk about what is going on...even see a counselor perhaps if things are that bad. You do not need this added stress right now. I am worried about you. Please think about getting together!

Monica - I have had the same feelings as you...especially with Corey. When they are crying and crying you just do not know what to do. There has been a few times where I have just walked out of the room and let one or both cry because I couldn't take it anymore. Being a mom is the best job I have ever had...but on the other hand, it is the hardest and most frustrating. I was really glad to read your post and know that it does get better and more fun. Thank you for your wisdom. I learn so much from all of you 2nd time moms.

Development - I have posted about this before, but it definitely does not seem as though my babies are doing all of the things that other 3 month old singletons are doing. They seem to be a few weeks behind. And they are so much smaller then other babies. That is another reason why I am so glad that I have all of you because all of our babies seem to be developing at pretty much the same rate! As for rolling over, they do not seem to be doing it at all...and they HATE tummy time so I am worried if they will ever learn to do it.

Friends - I often feel alone now that the twins are here, except for you guys. None of my friends that live close have any idea what I am dealing with and often make me feel like I should be handeling things better. I have one friend that actually had twins 2 weeks after me, but she does not seem to have any interest in getting together. She is actually the wife of DH's friend. Also, when I do talk to her, I feel like she is lying or something about how perfect everything is...who is she fooling???? When the babies were first born, DH both decided that we would make a point of going out once a month with our friends, of course guys are able to stick to this...I have done this once! My friends suck!! I am going out next week with one of my girlfriends, however, I am going to help her register for her baby shower so what fun will that be? I know I will get away, but I will still be surrounded by baby stuff! Anyone want to come to Cleveland to have a drink at a bar with adult conversation??????:clink: :partygirls: Sorry, just love some of the new icons.

Ters - I love the new pics!! They are so cute! As for switching to Alimentum, Kayley was just a miserable baby and that was unlike her. She was usually so happy and content. She was very fussy. When she would drink her bottles, she would scream through them and tense up her body. I called the doc and she told us to switch to Alimentum...unfortunately, it is more expensive. If you end up making the switch, let me know...

Daniele - I am so glad you posted and the babies are absolutely adorable!! They look so much alike!

Well, I realize that I have written a book but I feel a little better! DH is going out tomorrow, his once a month thing I talked about, so I am sure bedtime will be oh so enjoyable by myself! Anyone have a nanny I can borrow for the night???

Valerie

Oh, BTW, I have tried doing naps in the cribs...it is not working! Should I be beating myself up over this or just do what works for us? I swear I feel like I have to be the perfect mother and wife 24/7 with the cleanest house and laundry! I am driving myself crazy!

[LucasMom]

Lets figure this out...I can map us out and find a central point if everyone gives me their locations. Maybe in the future, we can meet up! Maybe it will give us something to look forward to. I am in Philadelphia. I also will be happy to host the get together!:partygirls:

Love you all, I will vent about dh and new job tomorrow. He just walked in.:crazy:

Have a good night, mamas, and don't beat yourself up!

Mindy

PS- Steph, Where the heck are you? Are you ok?

[AndreaR]

Hi gals -
I can't believe how many times I've come here and tried to post, but I could never finish. Even if I have to stop midsentence, I am posting SOMETHING tonight.
Mindy - I am so proud of you for keeping your doctor's appointment, and I will continue to pray that everything turns out okay for you. It sounds like the doctor isn't worried, and that's really great news. How is it going being back at work?
Lisa - I agree with Monica, you need to let the medication take more time to see if it works. I have been on antidepressants before, and it took a few weeks. But they really worked for me - made me feel normal again.
Friends - I TOTALLY need to find some friends to hang out with. With summer ending, I'm worried about getting depressed. If I stay trapped indoors, I will definitely go crazy. The mother of twins group around here only meets once per month. I am trying to find a mothers group. I think I"m going to start taking the girls to story hour at the library. I may also look for a music or gym class. I figure if I can get things scheduled for a few days per week, that will get us out of the house.
Development - My girls will be 14 weeks tomorrow. The Early Intervention Physical Therapist came today to work with Madeline. She said that at three months, they should be bringing themselves "to center." Meaning, that they should hold their head forward (instead of leaning to one side or the other) 90% of the time. They should also be bringing their hands together and their legs together (when they are on their backs). Both of my girls need a little help with bringing their hands and legs together. Izzy is great with her head, Maddie isn't. The PT showed us how we can position them in a rolled up towwl on the floor, which will assist them against gravity. It really worked. I haven't seen a three month old singleton (or any other baby) in a long time, so it's hard for me to compare my girls, but I definitely think they're behind. We took them to the pedi jsut for a weight check last Friday. Maddie is in <3 percentile, and Izzy is 10 - 25 percentile. Neither of them gained good weight from their second month to their third, so we have to go back in two weeks to have them checked again. I'm really hoping that was just a blip, because until then, they'd been gaining pretty steadily. I'm starting to worry about my milk...... am I not feeding Izzy enough? She never cries like she's still hungry (although sometimes I think that she could eat more if I supplied it). She still won't take a bottle. It's so frustrating, because it means that I can never be away from her for more than three hours.
Diet / Body - UGH. Don't get me started. I was losing weight great in the beginning - I thought it was all going to melt off. I still have nearly 20 pounds to go to get to my pre-preg weight, and even then I was about 20 pounds overweight (stupid fertility drugs). So I have LOTS to lose, and I just can't get motivated. DH is doing South Beach, and he's lost ten pounds in three weeks. I can't do that because I'm nursing Isabelle, but that doesn't mean I should be eating the way I do. Maybe we can all help eachother?? Any ideas? I have to do something, because my only wardrobe options are sweatpants - I have dressy sweatpants and not-so-dressy sweatpants. I have MAYBE one or two pair of non-maternity pants that fit. None of my shirts fit. It's crazy. But I'm just too tired to exercise, and too busy to stop and make good food choices. I wish I had the other Andrea's metabolism (Andrea, I hope you don't mind me calling you "the other Andrea").
Oh, I have so much more to say, but I must get some sleep.
I really do love you all so much, and I know that I would not have survived the past nine months if I didn't have you.
:throb: :throb: AndreaR:throb: :throb:
ps. ALL of your babies are getting so big and BEAUTIFUL! I love looking at the updated pictures. I can't get enough of them.
pps. Steph & Sherry & Heather - hope you are all okay (and anyone else I missed).

[mmzill]

I'm up for meeting somewhere Mindy. I live WV, about 2 hrs from Columbus OH and 2 hrs from Pittsburg PA.

A Diet - I'm also afraid to go too extreme with a diet since I am BF still. But when that stops I sure will. My mom did South Beach a couple years ago, and it worked great for her. I may try it, but I'm awful with sticking to anything.

[vthompson]

Monica - I also live about 2 hours from Columbus...I did not realize you were so close. Listen to me...like 2 hours is close!! I just went to Columbus on Saturday.

Mindy - I live in Cleveland, Ohio...as I said, 2 hrs from Columbus...about 2.5 hours from Grove City PA. If you could make it work, that would be great!!!

Lisa - That icon is battle. If you put your mouse cursor on top of the icon, it tells you what it means...not sure why he need a battle icon though!!

Ok, wanted to post more but gotta go! Love ya ladies!

Valerie

[megzmom]

okay ladies....cool it with the mommy guild:sunshine:

Letting the babies cry is so much better that your stress level. Trust me they will be crying alot latter. My dd turning 8 is a great drama queen and she knows how to turn the tears on. As long as you know they are fed, changed, burped and not in actual danger then let yourself off the hook. It was so hard for me because Zack is a screamer and gets himself so worked up. But now it only last 5 minutes with putting in/spitting out binky and then wamo out like a light. It was very hard at first. I hope I dont sound preachy-not at all. Some nights I come home from work and want to pull my hair out because nothing is soothing them. I let them cry for a little bit and then they are fine.

Milestones-I am also comparing my boys all the time. The took FOREVER to smile and are JUst now cooing. They were not TOo early 36 weeks. but they seem to be a little slower. It definately will all work out. They are BIG fat boys which is nice.

Feeding-still doing the cereal and they are liking it. Some nights they are too hungry and get inpatient so I spike the bottle and no spoon.

got to go get the students....

Love you ladies!!!!

[mmzill]

Valerie - I just looked at Yahoo maps - Cleveland is only 3 hrs from Parkersburg. Straight up Interstate 77. I know what you mean about 2 hrs being close. I'm so used to driving to see anyone, I think if it's less than 5 hrs it's no big deal.

I'm just not familiar with places around here (Northeast) So I'm at a loss as to where to meet anyone.

[vthompson]

Monica - That is not far at all...what do you think about meeting up somewhere? Let me know...

Valerie

[LucasMom]

ok still working on the central location...

Lisa- How about a lunch and shopping date at K of P in a week or two on a Saturday? I think we are both about 1 hour away from there? Now that my Dh is working most Saturdays, I am a free mommy, and I could drop Lucas at my parents, and just bring the twins. What do you think?

Back to work, and I'll write to you later.

Hugs,

Mindy

[christel]

Hi All -

It's been a wretched 2 days. Ruby was all off yesterday and Emme is all off today. Maybe they're going thru a growth spurt or something. Last night around 9 I just left them screaming in the room w/ DH and hid in the guest room for an hour. Today, Emme just fell asleep for a real nap - she's been up since 8:30AM and it's 3:30PM now. She's slept in 10 min. snippets and cried the rest of the time. No fever, happiness when I'm holding her, smiles when I'm looking at her and screaming the rest of the time unless a boob or bottle is in her mouth. :banghead: Ruby is awake now, but quiet.

Okay - diets... I did some looking during my hideout last night. Here's a good site w/ good info. about dieting while BF:
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mom/mom-weightloss.html
Everything I read said to aim for slow to moderate weight loss (1.5 lb a week) and not to make drastic changes to your diet; don't cut out any important food groups and don't cut the calories too fast to maintain milk supply. It also addresses low carb diets like Atkins & South Beach.

Here's my plan: I'm going to make an effort to snack healthy (vegies, fruit). I'm going to indulge my sweet tooth w/ yogurt and allow myself 1 good dessert a day - probably at night. And I'm going to get moving. I've not been exercising at all. We just got a cool stroller, the BOB, and I'm going to start walking the neighborhood religiously.

Staci - I will definitely be a diet buddy w/ you if you're up for it. I guess I just don't want to do anything too regimented since that's not likely to work more than 2 days for me.

Mindy - so glad to read about your good dr. report :clap: :yippee: I know you must be very relieved.

errggghhh... Ruby's crying now. Bye.

[swineland]

I'm baaaaaaaaaack!

:party:

I have missed you girls so much!! As I mentioned earlier, I was in Ft. Myers for 5 days with the babies and my best friend and her 3 year old daughter. They both flew in from Phoenix for a visit and we drove to see my parents. We had a wonderful time, but I was totally ready to get back home and get back into my routine and have some peace and quiet. Turns out 3 year old little girls can be QUITE a handful!

This post is going to be long and probably very random, as I try to get into words all the things I want to share/respond to.

First, to my dear friend Mindy, how wonderfully excited I am that your doctor's visit went well and that nothing earth shattering was found. I knew you'd be ok:aok: I was thinking about you all weekend and I miss talking to you!!

Sex drive: I definitely have more of a drive now than I did when I was pregnant. We actually had sex 3 times in one week recently! And believe me, that is NOT how we normally are. I think we had sex maybe twice the whole time I was pregnant (yeah, you heard me right). DH is not the kind of guy who has to have it all the time, so I feel no pressure there, which is nice.

Lisa, Zoloft,etc: I also agree that you need to be on something like that for more than one week. It does take sometimes up to 3 weeks for you to feel any changes and the main thing to remember is that the changes will be VERY subtle. It's not like you take the pill and then 2 hours later say "wow, I feel better!". It's a gradual process. I worry about you too Lisa and definitely think you need some type of AD to get you through this time. We all had these babies 3 months ago and I think we are very much still "post partum". It's OKAY to feel scattered and unhappy and anxious, etc. The problems you are having with DH though need to be addressed aside from you taking an antidepressant. Has your relationship always been like that? Or has it just been since the babies??

Teeth: I think Evan is getting ready to get his two little lower front teeth. They are RIGHT under the surface, you can feel them and see the white and everything. He is drooling up a storm (well, they both are), but doesn't seem to be in any pain or anything. He does like to chew on his fist or anything he can get into his mouth.

Reunion: I want to meet you all too!! Unfortunately I am not in the Philly, Cleveland, WV triangle and would not be able to drive up. I can totally fly in though!! Let me know if you guys all do decide to get together and I can try to come too!

Fat a$$: check
Fat belly: check
Tight clothes: check
Daily bag of peanut m&m's: check

I have done the South Beach diet and it totally works. THinking about doing it again for a few weeks, but DH is currently on the Men's Health Abs Diet and it is a totally different concept from lo-carb, so unless I want to be making two dinners and buying double at the grocery store, I think I'll wait till he's done. The mushy, gushy, jiggly sea of stretchy skin that is my belly makes me sick.

Heather...hey girl!! So sorry I couldn't meet you at Target on Labor Day as I was still in Ft. Myers. How did you photos turn out? Did you mean regular camera photos or professional studio ones?? How is school going?? When is it going to get cooler around here! I'm ready for open-the-windows weather and being able to go outside with the boys for more than 5 minutes.

Cats: I have had to make the heartbreaking decision to give my cats away. I am devastated and when we drop them at the ASPCA on Sat. morning I know I'm going to lose it. So far, however, they have peed on almost every bath mat I own, various areas of the carpet (NEW carpet we got last summer) and yesterday morning one of them peed on the Baby Einstein Mat!! I was FURIOUS!~ Thank goodness it came right out and I washed it on hot with lots of detergent, but that was sorta the last straw.

Danielle, an Escalade, eh? Wow. Those are pretty big, you should certainly have enough room for the babies! What color did you get??

We are going to get a Toyota Sienna we decided. We rented one to drive down to Ft. Myers last weekend and I loved it! It was so easy and practical with the babies. I really don't see what all the fuss is about when people say they just CAN'T have a minivan. No offense to anyone, you know I love you all dearly, but what IS the big deal? Is it an image thing? Or a denial thing that you are now a MOM?? I don't understand.

Monica, I love your new photos....the boys are just adorable. I can't believe they are 5 months old!

Mindy, I watched House today on Tivo for the 1st time....I love it!! I never even really knew about it, but I loved the humor and the dark comedy spin...totally my kind of show. It's like an HBO version of ER. Speaking of HBO, the syndicated reruns of Six Feet Under start Oct. 2nd on Bravo....my FAVORITE show.

Cereal: still doing it when needed, not every single night tho. The nips get clogged and DH and I get frustrated! So, today I put the cereal right in the blender w/ the formula...went down like warm butter!! DUH!

For those of you who talk about your babies not being where you think they should be developmentally, please go easy on yourselves. Every baby is different and some of you had 35-36-37 week babies....just let them reach their individual milestones when they are ready. Besides, before you know it you'll be thinking, I wish they were newborns again!! If it makes anyone feel better, by boys aren't rolling over yet either. They have each done it ONE time in their crib from front to back. That was it. Still waiting for them to do it again.

So, for you SAHM's...what do you do w/your babies during the day?? What kinds of activities do you do and do you think they get bored ever? I feel like my daytime routine really IS a routine....same thing, same times, same playmats and videos.....should I be shaking things up a bit or do they not get bored at 3 mos?? They've already seen Nemo about 50 times :eek:

Well, I wanted to write more but it's already taken me 4 hours to get this written....they've been needy today!

love and miss you all....
Steph
p.s. new slide photos!

[qbanmom5]

Hi all,
I am so jealous that I am way over here on the West coast and can't meet up with you all.

Things are going well over here. The babies are sleeping for about 6 hours from like 7-1 am. They then have a bottle and diaper change and sleep until 5:30 or 6:00. Not as bad as it used to be! Sometimes Luke doesnt' want to go back to sleep and will stay up for an hour or more. If I put him down he'll scream and wake up Leia. I end up putting him in bed with me which I said I wouldn't do. I have tried cereal in the bottle at night several times and they haven't slept any longer. So I am going to wait until they are older and give it with a spoon for breakfast or dinner or whatever. They are heavy enough as it is right now.

Had other things to say but its Back to School night and I gotta go.

Love, Ters

[AndreaR]

Steph - Welcome home! It sounds like you had a great trip. For activities, we pretty much do the same stuff every day. We have a couple of playmats that we use, while they're on their backs. We do tummy time with some toys - to get them to turn their heads each way. I read to them first thing in the morning, and sometimes in the afternoon. We go for walks/rides in the car. We go somewhere about three or four times per week. Like, to my parents' house, or to a store or to run an errand. But we usually schedule the driving for their nap time. It sounds like maybe Evan and Bailey are awake more than my girls, but they're the same age. My girls sleep a good portion of the day.
EXCEPT TODAY..............Christel, it sounds like Isabelle had the same day today that your girls had this week. Last night she slept from about 7pm - 4am (no complaints there!), and when she woke up to eat at 4am, she was WIDE AWAKE and wouldn't go back to sleep. I kept the lights low, didn't change her diaper, wouldn't make eye contact. That was really hard, because she was smiiling and talking to me, and it was so hard not to smile back. I felt like a horrible mother, but I didn't want her to get any more awake. She did not go back to sleep until 8:15, after Ronit took her for 30 minute walk. She did sleep for about two hours, but then she was awake for the rest of the day. Mostly she was happy, because I kept rocking her and nursing her trying to get her to fall asleep again. It was an exhausting day. Maddie on the other hand, slept almost the entire day. She would wake up to eat and then go right back to sleep. I think she might be going through a growth spurt, because she's been eating more than ever, too.

THIS FRIGGIN DOG HAS GOT TO GO! He has the worst case of the barks I've ever heard. He barks at EVERYTHING. Most of the time the girls don't even stir, but sometimes he wakes them up and we can't get them back to sleep. GRRRRR. It makes my blood BOIL!!

Okay, sorry about that.... and he's our first child, too. It's so sad, but he really drives me crazy.

Heather - how long do you let your babies cry? I find that it stresses me out more to listen to them. I am so worried that I am creating a monster problem with soothing Isabelle to sleep for (almost) every nap and at night. She has to be completely out before I can put her in her crib. I have tried to put her down when she is sleepy, but it never works. I've let her cry for as long as 15 minutes. I can't take it any longer than that. I have been reading a little about the CIO (cry it out) method, but the doctor (I can't remember his name) said it's best not to start until the baby is six months. That's three more months of solidifying this habit of ours! I don't really mind doing it, it's always a nice time with her, but I know it's not right.

Oh, Steph, my aversion to minivans is definitely an image thing. Call me shallow. I know it's true. Are Ethan's teeth the first for our group? I havne't heard anyone else talk about teething yet. So exciting! It sounds like he's handling it well, too. My mom said that all of us (my siblings and me) started getting teeth at three months. Izzy has been drooling and sucking on her fist a lot the last few days. I wonder..........
SEX THREE TIMES IN ONE WEEK!? WOWZA!! Good for you guys.

Do you guys find the time to document your babies' milestones, development, cuteness?? I feel like I never have the time. I was given so many photo albums and srapbooks and journals, and I've hardly used them. It seems like too big of a project. I am trying to at least jot a few things in the journal now and then, just so I can look back, but it's nothing fancy. I'd really like to make them scrapbooks.

I think it's great that you guys are planning to get together in Pennsylvania and Ohio, but what about Lisa's idea for a tropical island getaway?! That's what I need!

We had our pool closed today. Summer's over. It's so sad. I think I used it twice this year.

Okay, off for my nightly shower and bed. I hope you all have a wonderful sleep-filled night!

xoxo
AndreaR

[vthompson]

Steph - So glad you are back!! Can I say that your boys are adorable! They look like they have the best personalities. Where did you get the water mat? That thing looks so cool!! As for routine, I also feel like we do the same things everyday...but there is only so much to do with 3 months olds. Sometimes I feel bad because on days I need to do laundry or clean the house, I do not spend as much one on one time with them.

AndreaR - I feel the same way about the documenting. I have books to do it in but I never have the time. Then when I do, I can't remember when they did what. I have written down a few things, but mostly in list form. We have a TON of pics I just keep adding to albums. I joke that in 18 years from now, I will take all those pics and make scrapbooks. A friend of mine even gave me a premade scrapbook that all I have to do is add pics and I haven't even done that. In fact, I started a scapbook/journal for them during pregnancy and I got up to 35 weeks, of course, they were born at 36 weeks and I have not finished it. I feel bad!!

Christel and AndreaR - Sorry you are not having such a good day with the babies. Those days SUCK!!! Hopefully, tomorrow is a better day, plus it is FRIDAY!! :woo:

Minivans - Can I just say that I LOVE our minivan. It is so comfy and the ride is so smooth.

Teething - I have been wondering about this because both babies are doing a lot of drooling and they chew on their hands constantly, even when they are not hungry.

Well, I am exhausted and DH is out tonight so I better get some sleep! I wish I was out!! :)

Valerie

[Daniele'sTwins]

Ok, I only have like 10 mins but I will try to get it all in!

MINDY...:yippee: :yippee: I can't even tell you how happy I am to hear your wonderful news! I knew you would be fine but I am glad we know for sure now!

Steph! I am glad you're back, the board isn't the same without you! As for the van thing, I just can't do it yet. I will probably end up with one in the future seeing that I want so many kids BUT I love the escalade. I got the diamond white color, it like pearl.

Sex drive....MY dh was my first and only so I have only been in the "game" for about 4 and a half years! So needless to say I still have it...lol

Rolling over...not even close BUT they are holding their head up well and doing a lot of tummy time.

Documenting milestones...I have this calendar that I bought at www.current.com that is for the babies first year and I do have a baby book for each baby. I could NEVER have the time to scrapbook, but i did go to a party last year and bought nearly everything to do it...HATED IT.

Val...love the new pics! The babies look adorable in their Christening clothes!

Clothes...3-6 here

Diet...I am not exactly dieting. I have 8 more lbs to get to my prepregnancy weight. i just don't buy ANY junk food that I like. I still buy for dh but I will get things I don't like. For example...chips...salt & Vinegar...yuck. Also, I cut out sugar. I don't drink soda anymore (love coke) and I use splenda in my coffee, etc. I feel like if I cut a whole bunch of corners I will drop a few more lbs. Oh yeah and I am a BIG ice cream fan...so we look forward to sundaes on Sunday!

Monica and Lisa...we all have the times that the babies won't stop crying. My boys spit up at every burp (3times a bottle)!!! Don't feel alone we are all in the same boat!

Sherry, Felisha, Heather...where are you guys?

well, the boys have been sleeping for a while so I have to get to bed!

Love you all SOOOOO Much!

Daniele

[Daniele'sTwins]

My new favorite item...

www.floornanny.com

Oh yeah and the boys started the jumparoo tonight and no they can't jump but the jiggle a little and they LOVE it! lol

[LucasMom]

Hey guys,

Lets see, 11:00 PM and Dh STILL at work from 7:30 this morning!!! Not happy, but trying to be supportive. I guess (short vent following...) I am just kind of annoyed because I am not really allowed to feel upset that I am working 50 hrs. a week and taking care of three children on my own right now. I don't want to sound whiny, because G_d knows, Felisha the Supermom does it all the time like a champ, so I have nothing to complain about, but...hello?!! I am a bit mad:cool:

Anyway, take a look at my new pics. I love these kids soooo much that it hurts sometimes. I am exhausted, in bad need of a haircut and DH is working tomorrow and Saturday same schdule as today and yesterday. No end in sight.

Steph- Welcome back, friend! I was missing you! Glad you had a good trip. Lucas cut his first tooth at 4 months. A damp washcloth for them to chew on worked for me, also rubbing the washcloth on the gums helps to break the skin down a bit for the teeth to come through.

Dan-You are so cute with your hubby being your first. Wish I could say the same...ok, not really.:funny: What I mean is, I am so glad I ended up with the right man...I was engaged to another man when I met JC...BAD GIRL, MINDY!!! BTW, I love your slide. The boys are beautiful.

I have love/Hate relationships with my MINIVANS (plural). Comfort factor, HIGH. Sexy factor, LOW. Strangely enough, men still try to pick me up when I am driving the van. Hello, what shouts married with children more than a minivan?

Started the baby books, but need to update. No interest in the scrapbooking thing, although it is quite the phenomenon around these parts.

Diet- I was on Atkins for 18 months religiously and I lost 30 lbs. and kept it mostly off. I am a pre preg weight, but still think I look like a cow, so I am just watching what I eat and I run my tush off at work and home, so that will have to count for exercise. I eat alot of fruit and salads. Paul Newman has a delicious Sesame Ginger low cal dressing that I love and I eat alot of watermelon to fill up when I am hungry. We buy two in the ebginning of the week and JC dices them up into chunks and puts them in ziplocks in the fridge and I snack on those. PS: you all are beautiful, so zip your traps about the fat thing. We have the best looking babies and MOMMIES on this thread!!

Val- Love the new pics!

My husband would have sex all the time if it were up to him, and I have a pretty high drive myself, but I find if I am mad at him, or upset at him, I lose it fairly quickly. I'd say we average 3-4 times a week on a good week, and 1 on a bad week. Again, after Lucas, not this way. Wasn't into it for a while. I think it is a self esteem thing also. I felt like I was in MOM MODE all the time, hard to feel sexy and like a woman. This time, I give up...it all feels the same in the dark. Have a glass of wine beforehand to relax yourself.

My ladies, I am sorry I must go. I am falling asleep at the computer and have to be up in 5 hours for work. Don't dissapear on me this weekend!! Sorry I didn't get everyone...

Hugs Mamas,

Mindy

[AndreaR]

I love everyone's new pics. I know we all say it, but I can't believe how gorgeous all these babies are! We should get them all together for some kind of photo shoot.

Well, back to bed. Luckily Izzy fell back asleep quickly this time. Will post more tomorrow (I hope!).

[Daniele'sTwins]

Mindy...I am supportive wife mode too! As I have said before DH works a lot too and for the past 2 days he has left by 6am and home at 9pm. I am not working though so I am home watching hte clock waiting for him. I am trying not to complain AT ALL though because I know one of his partners was taking from the company and is now bowing out of ownership and they have been meeting over it. I know he under a lot of stress so the last thing I was to do is stress him when he gets home too. This should be the place he feels most comfortable. LOL...Reading that I sound like a wife of the 50's! LOL I sound nicer than I am by the way...lol
Anyways, you are doing an amazing job! These boys (including husband) will appreciate it some day! I love the pics of your boys! They are BEAUTIFUL! They hold their heads up soooo good!
I know what you mean about loving them so much it hurts. Sometimes I find myself wanting to squeeze them too hard becasue of all the love...lol. Don't worry I don't! Everyday I think I love them the most I possibly cand and then the next day EVEN more, and then the next day more than that! Weird isn't it!

Well, both boys are having a morning nap already. Val-in the swing. I usually put them in the crib BUT i am going to shower and head right to my moms so I am not going to even bother today. I am going with my mom to her work to show off the babies...lol. She has been dying to do this. SHe took a leave to help me and should be going back soon. She was supposed to already go back but she is procrastinating.:sunshine:

Love you all!
Daniele

[Daniele'sTwins]

By the way...does Lucas have a girlfriend?? $hit Mindy with 3 boys that look like that you are going to be hounded by little girls some day!

[Daniele'sTwins]

Oh Yeah...one more thing...both my boys want their thumb SO BAD but can't get it...lol. I try to help them but they keep putting thier thumb down which makes it fall out of thier mouths. They get so frustrated! I know some of you said they are are already sucking thier thumbs but is anyone in the same boat as me??

Ok, off to mom's. Have a great day everyone!

[christel]

As I mentioned, yesterday was hell. Around 6 DH calls... he's at a sports equipment store buying door prizes for a company golf tournament that he's on the committee for and still needs to spend $1000 (poor baby). We're out of formula and I've just made the last bottles. He was supposed to stop by SAM'S and get more + some other stuff and I'd asked him to pick up dinner b/c the day had been so insane. Well, if he does all that stuff, then we've run into the next feeding and I don't have any formula. I think my mood was pretty apparent on the phone 'cause he got his butt home fast and had formula (from Walgreens). So, I'm feeling pretty crazy at this point, and hungry. I leave him w/ the girls and go to Sonic for dinner for us.

Diet confession... I got DH a salad and a chili cheese hot dog for me! Things are happier when I get home and we're eating and he says he wishes he had a hot dog and I tell him he already has a "weiner" and he says isn't it too bad it's been out of work! And that brings me to...

Sex - I've been promising him for the last week that we'll DTD and every time we could have a chance, I'm exhausted, or feel disgusting (unshaved legs or gross clothes - this is on top of the body disgusting feelings) or the girls wind back up.

Is it time to move the girls to the nursery just so we can have our room back and a chance at a sex life again? It makes me so sad to think about not having them there, though. They're not waking up to eat in the middle of the night anymore, but... I don't know, I'm very conflicted.

Ok, back to diet. So, I'm going to do good today. Watermelon sounds good, Mindy, and we just got one, so I'm going to go cut into it.

[christel]

Oh yeah,

Bored babies - I worry about this. We do the same things every day and I'm tired of it, so are they?

Steph - we have the inflatable water filled tummy time thing, too. Ours is a turtle. The girls hate it with a passion. I think they'd poke holes in it w/ their jagged little fingernails if they could.

Baby books - haven't even taken them out of their boxes. I also have a baby's 1st year sticker calendar which I've done a half a$$ job at. I'm really unmotivated to do that stuff. I tried to get into the scrapbooking thing and love the looks, but can't committ to the effort and the mountains of stuff you have to get to do it. We do take tons of pictures though. Isn't there some kind of cool digital album I could slap them into?

Girls got up at the same time this morning and are napping now. Hopefully today will be happier.

[christel]

One last thing. Check these out :funny: DH did these at work the other day.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e318/snelsonc6896/Rubywantedposter.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e318/snelsonc6896/Emmewantedposter.jpg

[AndreaR]

Christel - You really crack me up. I loved the comment about the girls poking the tummy time mat. I think you can make a digital album online at snapfish.com Those wanted posters are hysterical.

[AndreaR]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060908/sc_nm/china_panda_dc

OMG - I can totally imagine. So sad.

[megzmom]

wow busy today! yeah!

Daniele and AndreaR-scrapbooking. Love it but no time. I am actually getting together with some other ladies for $1 and scrapping tomorrow. I have a 6mth calendar pages that I bought from Creative Memories when i was a consultant. I made the numbers and titles on bedrest. Now all I do is write in the milestones on that day. I also bought the twins memory book from this website LOVE it. Only thing it doesnt have a place there for other siblings so dd is sad :(. Also on the left side I checed out the journals and they seem to be EXTREMELY easy. Since I already made my stuff I wont buy them but if I didnt I woud definately get them.

ANyone found any cute twins scrapbook stickers? I have one scrapbook album for me and each boy will get their memory book (from the website)

Steph- I missed youso much! Five days seemed so long. I really want to meet. Crazy we only live 20 min from each other. Call me anytime. DO you still have my cell? I got professional pictures from Target SOOOO CUTE!!!!!!!! They had Ben laying on top of Zack. Luckily Zack is bigger but he looked a little squished which just added to the cuteness.

I started something last night to break up the routine. SOme of you might already do this???

I put both boys in the cribs with the lights on. They are on their backs. They seem to love it for a little bit. I talk with them and they squirm soo much. Seems like they want to already speak-LOVE IT. SO I have TONS of books(teacher of course). I have some bright contrasting real life animal hard back books. I showed them the picture and talked all silly made the animal sounds. They went berserk (sp)! They talked and cooed like crazy.

No rolling here but scoots everywhere. Arm is stuck in slits everyday!

love you all didn't get to read all from today. Need to leave my classroom

Steph-CALL ME :):funny:

[sgarrett]

Wow, you miss a couple of days and you can never catch up!

Work has been totally insane, our fiscal year ends this month so we are all scrambling to get those last sales in for the year end.


Christel: Would love to do the diet buddy thing, I can not do anything to drastic either due to the B/F. I actually have been watching what I eat this past week, cept for today had Wendy's for lunch!:crazy:

Steph: Welcome back! Sounds like the trip was fun. Three year olds are handful - what will it be like with 2??? Mini-Van total image thing, I love fast sports cars and mini-vans just do not look cool. Totally silly I know!

Mindy: I laughed at the men hitting on you in the mini van, when I was preg with my 1st son I worked as a bank teller. Guys would hit on me all the time b/c they could not see my huge belly. I would go along with it until it came time to give the digits or setting up a time to go out. Than I would stand up and watch their eyes pop out of their head! Talk about some fast back peddling! :lol: I live in Tennessee and would love to meet, will fly where ever, specially if Southwest goes there!

Babybooks, I keep them under the coffee table so I can grab them quick to add stuff too. I sucked at keeping up with my older son's so I am determined this time!

Bored Babies: Has anyone tried the baby einstien videos? Aiden and Isabelle love them!

CIO - took Aiden to the doc today b/c he has been spitting up alot. I asked him about getting the babies down at night. I explained how they get soo grouchy around 7:30 and we have to hold them non stop for an hour or two in order to get them down. He said this was a slight case of colic. He said to let them cry for a good 30 - 45 min. He reccomended vacuuming while they were crying (they like the white noise) He said sometimes they need a good cry to calm themselves. It will be sooo hard to let them cry for that long, but we might try it for at least 15 - 20 min. I will let everyone know what happens.

We are going out tonight to see a band and have few beers! :dude: :harmony: :toyah: I am so excited! I have feeling we will go for a three time a weeker too tonight Steph we are up to two!!:cool:

Gorgeous babes: Yes we do have the cutest babies around, alot of good DNA on this board!


Have great weekends Mommies!:sunshine:

Love
Staci

[missjudy]

You already have experience with kids... Think about openg a family Childcare in your home. I did that after having my first and made a ton of money, more than I did in the "business world" Call your local Resource & Referral Center and network with other who ladies do the same thing. You could specilize in caring for only mothers who are teachers so you can work less hours and have more family time :)

[Daniele'sTwins]

Good Morning Ladies...

I am so tired! The boys are sleeping well now but at like 4 am they start to stir and I am up every 15 mins to pop binki's in mouths and rub backs to get them to stay in the crib until 6. I want to soon put them in their own cribs in the nursery but I think I will be getting up earlier then now. What do you think? Also, My boys still squirm over to each other when I put them on opposite sides of the crib. I wonder if they will even LIKE to be separated. Is anyone else going through this?

Felisha...YAY for you on making your milestone at work! :clap:

Staci...how was your night out?

Christel...cute pics!

AndreaR...that panda story was so sad!

Little chubbers...My boys turned 15 weeks yesterday(same as your babies Felisha) and I decided to weight Luca (Nico was sleeping) well I got on the scale by myself and then with him...LOL 15 lbs! I can't believe how chubby they are! I think Nico is about the same too, if not a few ozs lighter. A friend of mine has a 5 month old that is smaller than them! They are getting so heavy to carry. I can barely carry them in their carseats.

Well, DH is at a meeting for an hour this mornign then I am headed to a baby shower without the boys. In my family we usually take the babies with us to the showers but this is for a teacher I work with and no one told me to bring them so I didn't know if I should. So DH will stay with them. Then tonight is our Saturday night out so my parents are going to watch them while we go to dinner with friends. No Brazillian Panty Droppers tonight though, that restaurant had no available reservations...lol

Well, they are both napping so I am going to take my shower now.

Love you all...
Daniele

[Daniele'sTwins]

I have Nestle Good Start formula coupons if anyone uses this brand let me know.

[sgarrett]

Felisha Congrats on your work project!:yippee: I hope we can get together soon! BTW was the Mikey D's guy hot?:funny:

Daniele: The babies are still in a co sleeper next to my bed, they are about to be too long for it though. We will still keep them in our room once they grow out of it. They are no where near sleeping through the night and the nusery is upstairs. As soon as they start sleeping better I will be moving them to their room. I am no sure if it will bother them when I seperate them, they still do not seem to pay that much attention to eachother.

Lisa: Good luck with the game! Sorry about the no fun friends, I would come over and I do not even watch football!:crazy:

We had a wonderful night out. While I go ready my DH had Aiden and Isabelle propped up on our bed with pillows so the were sitting up and he was juggeling their toys, while singing in his underwear to entertain them. It was soo funny, they both just stared with big eyes at him. My DH just bought a 1985 CJ7 Jeep for a toy. We had the top and doors off and went to this little bar that has great music in our town. Half of our church was there, (beer toting methodists!) so we had a big table of friends. I was so excited to see that they had starting serving wine, I asked the waitress what kind of wine they had and she said "Well we got red and we got white":lol: Yes I do live in a small town, but we had a blast. It felt so good to get out and feel like a woman again, instead of a mommy only. That works wonders for the sex drive!:woo:

:nice:

Staci

[christel]

:sunshine: Morning,

scrapbook stuff - even though I don't do it, I heard about this place www.scrappintwins.com where you can get lots of multiple related stuff

Felisha - DH did those pics at glassgiant.com They have other stuff, too. It was easy. And congrats on the milestone on your project :yippee: I know that has to feel sooooo good!

Vitamins - still taking prenatals. I never did the Rx stuff, just grocery store brand (around $15). They're "stomach gentle" w/ a lower dose of iron and are capsules to take 2x a day instead of one giant horse pill. I was barfing up the other stuff. When those run out I'll switch to a once a day pill 'cause who has time to swallow a pill twice a day!

AndreaR - panda story hit a little too close to home! That'd be why I don't cosleep. And so sad about how mama bear is mourning :(

Bored babies - I have pulled out baby einstein. I have the poetry one and a beethoven one. They like them and Emme is fascinated by anything on the tv screen (like DH). I just don't want to do too much tv w/ them.

Staci - your night out sounds wonderful! We're beer toting methodists, too :lol: Well, no beer for me. I like wussy girly drinks and wine. And that has to be part of the diet plan :heck: Not everyday, but not "not at all" either! So, how do we do the diet buddy thing? Is this just accountability? I fessed up about my Sonic hotdog. Did pretty good yesterday, but no exercise.

Exercise - don't some of the parent magazines periodically publish exercises you can do w/ babies? Like using them for weights? That seems like something sorta managable. Anyone seen something like this lately?

The girls had a pretty good day yesterday, thank GOD! Today, DH is playing in a golf tournament. When he gets home we'll go to a pool party at a friends' with the girls. Hope that's actually fun, not exhausting. I will not be wearing a swim suit. And I'm not planning to dip the girls in either. Not sure about the pool chemicals on their skin. Maybe I'll have a drink and DH will finally get lucky tonight ;)

[qbanmom5]

Poor Panda! Boy can I relate!! Thanks for sharing that. Itried giving them cereal off the spoon this morning. It was a mess and not much stayed in their mouths much less down their throats. I will keep at it though cause they are waking up every 2 hours at night and starving.

Gotta run, Ters

[twinsmakethree]

real quick post just want to reply to somethings while i have time

Christel- is your water playmat wonder worlds water turtle- or something like that? I was going to buy it for my girls but if its a dud then thanks for saving me time and money!

diets _ the best thing to do is to cut out refined sugars but i never can do that so the next best thing is weight watchers they actually have plans for nursung mothers and it works at least it did for me. I dont mind being apart of the diet/exercise buddies im trying to lose weight but i am trying to go back to healthy eating!!


exercise - will post some baby and me exercises for everyone

development ruwaydah is like three weeks behind her sister at first that worried me but it doesnt any more

meeting up- sounds like fun I am in Northern new jersey like 30 min away from ny

Felicia- Its wonderful about the break through and hey at least you know you could get free happy meals for the babies:crazy:


MINDY- :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee:

I emailed earths best asking them if they had a twin program they mailed me 6 coupons for free jars of any product, 6 55cents off coupons, 2 bibs, 2 packets with 4 coupons in them each for cereal teethers and i forgot the other two. You can buy their products offline if anyone is interested www.earthsbest.com

ok gotta run actually im trying to fight depression! money is getting tight and i actually am beginning to feel the punch of it all now, but hey my rainbow is just around the corner so im trying not to dwell on it too much i know if i need to you guys will be there for me!!!

Andrea

[twinsmakethree]

Workouts 1-5
1. Rock and Roll


Targets abdominalsA. Sit on a mat or a carpet with knees bent and feet flexed under a piece of heavy furniture. Place your baby in your lap facing you, his head and back resting against your thighs, and hold him securely.B. Rock back a few inches until you feel your abdominals tighten. Hold the pose for ten seconds before slowly returning to starting position. Repeat ten times.
2. Have a Seat


Targets legs and buttocksA. Stand with your heels about 12 inches from a wall, holding your baby face out, with his back and head against your abdomen and chest.B. Slowly bend your knees as if to sit, using the wall for support. Don't let knees extend past toes. Hold for ten seconds, then slowly stand up. Work up to ten reps.
3. Nursery-Rhyme Plank


Targets the entire body, especially the core abdominal muscles, triceps, upper back, and buttocksStart on hands and knees, with your baby on his back below you. Lower your forearms to the floor so that your shoulders are directly above your elbows. Slide your knees back about 12 inches, keeping your back flat and your abs contracted. Hold the pose while you sing your baby's favorite nursery rhyme. Work up from 30 seconds to two minutes.
4. Swaying-Tree Stretch


Works hamstrings, hips, and backA. With your baby on his back and on a mat in front of you, stand with your feet on either side of the mat. Place hands on hips, and slowly bend forward, keeping your back flat.B. Bend further down, and tickle your baby's feet for a count of ten. Bend your knees and slowly roll up, one vertebra at a time. Do five reps.
5. Kitty Stretch


Targets abdominals and chest while opening up back and shouldersA. Start on your hands and knees, head and back in a straight line, with your baby on his back below you. Arch your back upward and contract your abdomen in and up toward your ribs, lowering your chin to make eye contact with your baby. Hold for five seconds.B. Lift your head to look up, and reverse the arch. Hold for five seconds; do ten repetitions.


6. Fly With Me


Targets back, abdominals, buttocks, shoulders, and hamstringsStart on hands and knees, with your baby on his back below you. Lift your left arm until it's parallel to the floor. Next, extend your right leg behind you, parallel to the floor. Hold for five seconds, then return to start. Repeat with opposite arm and leg. Do five times on each side.

7. Baby Bend


Stretches hamstrings and lower backSit on a mat, legs together and extended in front of you. Lay your baby on his back along your legs, and support him with your hands. Slowly bend forward at the hips as far as you can. Hold for ten seconds, give him a kiss, then return to an upright sitting position. Repeat ten times.

shoot the pictures did not come through i'll try to find the link and post it

[twinsmakethree]

this has other good articles and diet/exercise ideas,but here is the link to the previous post so you can see the pictures


http://www.parents.com/parents/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/parents/story/data/5808.xml&catref=prt38



Andrea

[LucasMom]

So, I hope you all won't mind my short vent...

This early afternoon, my younger brother overdosed on prescription medication. He is in intensive care on a ventilator and they don't know if he is going to make it. He was without proper oxygen for a long time and is in pretty bad shape. They are unsure, if he makes it, how bad the damage will be.

I can't really go into detail right now, because I am sad and I have all three kids by myself, as Dh has been out at work since 6 am and won't be home until 1 am. All I can say is, we kind of knew this was coming. He and I are as opposite as you can be for brother and sister. He has long had a problem and my parents have been in denial way too long. We all knew it was only a matter of time. That doesn't make it hurt any less, though. I feel kind of numb.

The only good thing I can think of this situation is: If he does make it, his Psychiatrist is going to say he is a danger to himself and they will make him go through a psychiatric hospital program and stay until he is out of danger. After the age of 18, no one can have you committed to a detox type program unless you consent, and he never has, so now, if he does make it through, he won't have a choice and maybe he will finally get help.

Sorry to lay this on you guys, but my Dh (and that doesn't stand for DEAR right now) is not coming home, and I have no one else to talk to about it. My Mom doesn't like people to know the family "business". She and my Dad have had a really hard time with him, and he is 26 and lives at home, can't hold a job, etc. My mom said to me that for a split second, when she found him, she thought about just letting him go, and then snapped out of it and did CPR and called the ambulance...

Talk later,
Mindy

[swineland]

Mindy.... I emailed you.....

[swineland]

and in other news.....

EVAN GOT HIS FIRST TOOTH!!:clap:

will post a pic soon :)

[EBTwinz]

Heather: Do you still have the Gentlease coupons? I could really use them. I ran out of $7 off coupons and money is getting tight. Just let me know and I can PM you my address.

Thanks!
Lisa

[AndreaR]

Mindy - I am so, so sorry for what's happening to your family right now. I will add your brother and your whole family to my prayers. You have been through so much lately. I really admire your strength. If you ever need to talk, I'd be happy to give you a call. Just let me know. Sending lots and lots of hugs to you.
:throb:
AndreaR

[vthompson]

Mindy - I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I agree with Andrea, you have been through so much lately and it is not fair. Please feel free to talk to us about all of this...we are here for you.

Lisa - I pm'd you back...DH and I are in the EXACT same boat as you...no one wanted to come over tonight to watch the OSU game...I guess we are not as cool as we once were before babies!! If we lived close, we could get babysitters and have an all day drinking PSU/OSU party!!! :clink:

Steph - Evan is officially the first baby on the board to get a tooth!! Congrats! We should make him an award!! :sunshine:

Andrea - Thanks for posting those exercises. I am going to check the website out. I hear you about money...that is probably the biggest stress in my life. All of the hospital bills have started to roll in and it is not pretty. Our insurance covers 90% and we pay the other 10, not to exceed 2,000. We have already maxed out to 2,000. I have tried to set up payment plans for everyone, but they are not very nice to deal with so they will probably be sending our bills to collections...I have NEVER had anything like this happen! But, oh well, we can't afford to pay them right now. They actually wanted me to pay $50 a month, times the 3 of us! They count each of us as a separate account! Plus, there are other places billing us separately on top of the hospital, like the dr's office for me and the dr's office for the babies. It is crazy!! Wow, I did not expect to vent like that, sorry ladies!

Christel - I was laughing about having a drink and DH getting lucky!! Why is it that alcohol makes you more horny??? I always wondered that!

Staci - It sounds like you had a great night out! Isn't it amazing how much better you feel afterwards! Don't worry, DH is Lutheran and I am Catholic, but still like a good drink!!

Daniele - Unfortunately I do not have any advice for you on sleeping. Kayley and Corey never slept in the same crib. They wouldn't sleep at all flat so they spent many weeks in their carriers!

Felisha - Congrats on the project!! I was laughing out loud about your McD's pick up!! I don't remember who said it, but I was also laughing about the twins always having happy meals!!

Monica - I pm'd you.

Prenatal Vitamins - I am still taking them...I have been taking them so long while we were trying to get pg that I figured what is the difference between those and regular vitamins. I never had an rx for them, though. I just buy the generic brand for about $6 or so.

Sex - I have always had a pretty decent sex drive and it has definitely continued!! We probably average around 3-4 times a week.

Ok, we are watching the OSU game and I am missing a lot by being on the computer...talk to everyone later!

Valerie

[mmzill]

Mindy - I am so sorry about your brother. Even if you "knew" it was coming. But I am very concerned about you right now. It sounds like you need some support - with your dh working so much. I hope that there is someone you can rely on to help with Lucas and your precious babies! We are here for you!! If there is something we can do, don't hesitate!

Felisha - really had to laugh about the McD's guy! How funny.

Steph - wow about the tooth! They grow up so so fast! I am so glad my guys don't have teeth yet! They sometimes gum my nipple way too hard......so glad there are no teeth there yet!!!!

Sex - no real drive, but yesterday I did shave my legs for the first time in months. And we have messed around some since. Dh is quite happy.

Lisa and Valerie - sorry about the game! I turned it on briefly, but couldn't bare to watch. I knew you were both not having a good night!

We actually went out this evening!!!! With no kids!!! The first for us. It was really nice. A nearby town was having some fireworks, and they were really good!!!! (voted 2nd best in Ohio) It was nice to come home to all sleeping babies!

Hope you all have a good night.
~Monica

[EBTwinz]

Val: PM'd you back.

Lisa

[vthompson]

Lisa - I pm'd you back.

Monica - It is funny, we are PSU fans unless they are playing OSU, then we are OSU fans...sorry Lisa!! That was a pretty bad loss for Penn State...however, Ohio state did win!! :yippee:

Ok, I have a ton of work to do...the company I used to work for when I was pg has found some work for me to do at home! It will help out a ton! Anyways, DH is with the babies so I better get to it. Hope everyone is having a lovely day!

Valerie

[swineland]

you won't believe this, but today Evan got his OTHER tooth....!!!

I think his voice is getting deeper too.....

:)

[vthompson]

Felisha - I think the paws have to do with how many posts you have...under 100 I think is 1 paw...

Steph - You crack me up!! Congrats on the other tooth.

Valerie

[AndreaR]

CONGRATULATIONS EVAN! That's so exciting, Steph!!

Monica - I agree with you totally about teeth and b/f'ing. Izzy is going to be tough with teeth, I can just tell. How did it work with your daughter? How did you other non-first time moms handle it with your other kids?

Speaking of breastfeeding, I'm getting a little frustrated. I actually love nursing Isabelle. I love the time that we have together. But I think I have a supply issue, and I know the best way to increase milk supply is to pump. I already feel like I'm not pumping enough (so Maddie can have some breastmilk). I am starting to REALLY hate pumping. Even though it doesn't take long, there just never seems to be a good time to do it. So I usually only do it once a day, at the end of the day (like now). Sometimes I don't pump enough for Maddie to even have one whole bottle's worth (4 oz). We are taking the girls to get weighed again this week (did I tell you that we took them when they turned three months and that neither one of them gained very much, so the doctor wanted them checked again after two weeks?). If Isabelle comes up low again, I am going to feel terrible - like I'm not providing enough for my child. I really feel like quitting, but then I am afraid of feeling like I'm giving up, since I wanted to go until she was six months old. Never mind that the AAP now recommends one year. I also feel bad that I am only breastfeeding Izzy and not Maddie - I feel like it's not fair to Madeline. But you've all heard that before.......

Andrea - Thanks for the exercises. I am going to TRY to start doing them. Sorry you feel depressed, but YES, you can TOTALLY count on us whenever you need us. Maybe Daniele and I can take a road trip and meet you in NYC!

Valerie - YIKES about those hospital bills. We haven't seen anything from our delivery yet (maybe we're safe?), but we did get a copy of a coverage rejection notice from the insurance company to the hospital where Maddie was in the NICU. They feel like Maddie didn't need to be there more than two days. The letter says we can't be billed for it though. I'm not sure I understand why, but I'm happy to hear it (if it's true).

Both girls have found their hands in the past week. At the beginning of the week, they both started holding their hands together and putting them in their mouths. A few days ago, Maddie started looking at them, and just today Isabelle started staring at her right hand. She's mesmorized. Maddie holds one hand in the other and pushes it up really close to her face - so close that her eyes go cross-eyed. It's soooo cute.

So, what made me think that my DH, after partying all day at the Patriots game, would come home and want to help take care of the girls??? At least he picked up Chinese food on the way home. He's passed out COLD in our bed right now. He stinks like beer and cigars. GROSS.

Well, I'd better go get some rest, since it's obviously going to be a one-woman show tonight. I don't know if DH will even here Madeline crying (even though she's right next to our bed).

Oh, Daniele - speaking of babies being in the room..... I think you should move the boys whenever you want. I can't remember, have you tried putting in their crib(s) for a nap? That might be a good way to start. That's what we did with Isabelle. I had expectations that the girls would be in the same crib for months, but it really only lasted about one and a half months. Their schedules and their needs are just too different.

Good night!
AndreaR

[swineland]

:cuppa: Hey everyone! I know we were talking about being bored at home, specifically with indoor activities and trying to do new things instead of the same dull routine of playmat, swing, bouncy seat, etc. I looked up a few things and here is what I found...I'll definitely try some of them, they sound new and interesting.


1. Blow bubbles: He'll love watching them as they float by and pop.

2. Talk to him at every opportunity. Use different tones of voice - high, low, loud, soft, laughing and soothing.

3. Wait until your baby is done "talking" to you, and then imitate his sounds. The more you talk to him, the more he'll babble.

4. Sing songs with surprise endings. Through repetition, your baby will begin to anticipate the surprise.

5. Use his name frequently. When you sing or recite nursery rhymes, substitute your baby's name for characters' names.

6. Give your baby an opportunity to observe pets. Dogs, cats, birds and fish are especially exciting to watch.

7. Use an old glove and sew different fabrics, such as Velcro, satin, silk and terry cloth, around each finger. Let him explore and grasp each finger's different texture.

This next set is for physical development. All of these things, including the list above, are for 3 month olds.

1. Play a sit-up game: Pull him up gently and slowly by his arms and then lower him back down. This strengthens his stomach and lets him see the world from different points of view.

2. Exercise his legs by lifting them up and then letting them flop down. Try this rhyme to go with the game: "Hippety hippety hippety hop, hippety hippety and then we flop."

3. Put him on his stomach and place the palms of your hands on the soles of his feet so he can push against them and slide forward. This will help ready him for crawling.

4. Help your baby practice rolling over by putting your hands under his shoulders and gently rocking him back and forth. When he's on his side, hesitate a moment and give him a chance to try to turn himself the rest of the way.


Hope you all find this helpful.

Also, in the spirit of today's anniversary, I want to tell each of you how much you mean to me......this board has become a part of my life and I treasure the friendships made here. Be sure to give those babies an extra long hug today and give DH an extra long kiss.

:grouphugg

Steph

[vthompson]

Lisa - Monica and I have been emailing you about meeting...check your mail when you get a chance!! :sunshine:

[vthompson]

Lisa - Monica is unable to meet the 28th. We will be leaving for PSU the next day so I figured traveling 2 days in a row would be rough...so how about this...Monica and I will meet on Thursday in Pitt...I will meet you in Grove City the first Thursday in October ...then we can pick another day in October so that the 3 of us can meet in Pitt...when will you be going back to your parents? I did not realize you were so far from Pitt. Is there another place that is closer for you that we could meet?

Steph - Thanks for the games and exercises...it is nice to have a variety of things to choose from.

I would also like to let everyone know how much I value all of the friendships I have made on this board! I am closer to all of you then I am to friends I have had for years! Love ya ladies!!

Valerie

[vthompson]

BTW, AndreaR, whatever you decide to do, always know that you are doing what is best for you and your family and try to not feel guilt. When I decided to stop bf, I felt so bad, but then I realized that I made the decision that was best for me and the babies. Whatever you decide, you are a wonderful mother for bf this long....I give you a lot of credit!

Valerie

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Ladies...what a sad day today is! I can't watch TV without crying.

Mindy...I pm'd you

Felisha...I pm'd you too

Heather...Thank you SOOO Much for the coupons! Every little bit helps. I went yesterday to buy formula $200!! That should last for about 2 weeks and I used a $3.00 coupon. DH laughed becasue I had $3.00 off of $200. but I was like that is a coffee at starbucks!

STEPH...YAY EVAN! How is he feeling? Does he cry a lot about the tooth? I don't know what to expect.

Meltdown...I had a meltdown on Saturday and called AndreaR to vent. Thanks Andrea! See, this is what happened...I had a babyshower to go to so I left my boys with DH all by himself. I was so nervous but I did it. At the end of the shower I decided to call him to tell him I was on my way home...WELL...he was OUT with them! ALL BY HIMSELF! He took them to pick up his contacts and then to an outdoor mall to fix his watch and pick up a coffee at Borders! I was SOOO crushed! You all know I have only been out with the boys by myself ONCE to go to BRU! He always asks me what I did with the boys when he gets home and I always say things like..."YOU have no idea how hard it is by yourself, these boys aren't easy, etc"...UGH well, I guess he had no problem! I was so upset at how much he showed me up! THEN he had the Nerve to send pics of the boys Playing on my phone! I started to CRY! I couldn't go home like that so I went to starbucks to get me a coffee and call my girl Andrea! So listen to this...I walk in the door and he even had the DISHWASHER RUNNING!!! :gr:
Well, when i walked into the living room he gave me a BIG hug and kiss and told me that he doesn't know how I do it all day everyday and how hard it was...THANK GOD!!! :correct: I can't tell you how much better I felt after hearing that! I was so worried he would give me a hard time saying that my job was easy! Now, I can't wait to go out again...lol

[Daniele'sTwins]

AndreaR...Sorry I must have missed your last post. My advice on the BF is not to do anything different until you meet with the doctor again. I stopped BF when I thought I wasn't producing enough and I regret it STILL sometimes. I think I did it prematurely. There are pills and tea you can drink to increase your supply too. As for not being ABLE to nurse Maddie...you have tried and tried! It is not your fault at all so don't feel guilty for a minute! You are bonding with the both of them, it really doesn't matter that one is nursed and one takes a bottle. Just hear what the pediatrician has to say and then make your decision.

[AndreaR]

I'm on the Hanna Anderson website, I have over $500 worth of clothes in my shopping cart. My credit card is in my hand.
SOMEONE STOP ME OR MY DH WILL KILL ME!!!!!!!!!

[Daniele'sTwins]

JUST DO IT Andrea!!! LOL:yippee:

[AndreaR]

JUST DO IT Andrea!!! LOL:yippee:

some help YOU are....
:funny:

[AndreaR]

Daniele - I just read your post and learned how things ended up on Saturday. I'm so happy that he let you know how much he respects and values the wonderful job you do as a mother. I can't BELIEVE he even ran the dishwasher!! I was telling my mom what happened to you, and she said that you should go out by yourself EVERY Saturday. I agree! I only wish I could meet you......but my DH is not quite there yet. Close, but not quite.

[Daniele'sTwins]

Andrea..that is a cute site...the girls clothes are cuter than the boys though.

[sgarrett]

Hello Mommies!

BF - My milk seems to be drying up too. I am with you AndreaR I am down to pumping once or twice a day too, I know that is the prob. Only good think about pumping it is the only time I get to read my book. I am an avid reader and usually go through a book every few days, since the twins it takes like 2 weeks for one book! What are the teas and stuff you can take to increase your supply?

Congrats on your day away Danielle, that is sweet what your hubby said we you got home.

I go my bumbo seats today! I put Aiden in it and his head still wobbles everywhere. Should I be worried about that? They will be 3 months on th 13th. They were born at 37 weeks, should they have their neck strength by now?

Staci

[AndreaR]

Staci - your babies are just so cute. I can't get over it, every time I see your slide. I have fenugreek tea and capsules that are supposed to help increase supply. I'm not that good about taking it, though. I will do it for a few days, but then I forget. I don't really think I noticed a difference. Some people swear by it. I need to be more diligent. I have been thinking about buying the bumbo seats, but I have the same concerns as you. Although, in the past 7 - 10 days, the girls neck strength has really imporoved. The Early Intervention Physical Therapist said that at 3 months, babies should be able to hold their head up for two minutes. She also said that they should be holding their heads in the center (not leaning one way or the other) about 90% of the time. Isabelle is definitely there, but Maddie isn't. We are working on it with exercises every day. I'm going to ask the PT if she thinks the girls are ready for bumbos. I think they're actually supposed to help them develop neck muscles, but I just want to ask to be sure. I don't want to undo any of the progress we've made so far. Just to remind you, my girls were born on June 1 at 37.5 weeks.

I'm doing all this talking about quitting breastfeeding. I don't know who I think I'm kidding. There is no way in he## that Isabelle is taking a bottle any time soon. Thanks for the advice, Daniele - we have an appointment on Friday to recheck the girls' weights.

Steph - thanks for the activities - they are great! I can't wait to try them out on the girlies tomorrow. How are those teeth working out?

What do you guys think of this:
http://www.strollerstrides.com/index.html
I saw it on another thread on this site (or maybe another site, I can't remember). I'm thinking about doing it. I need to do something to get my a$$ in gear, and I think it needs to be an organized, scheduled thing. If I leave it to myself to exercise, I come up with every excuse in the book.

And I totally agree with what Valerie and Lisa said about the friendships I've made here. You ladies are the greatest. Thanks for all that you do!

xoxo
AndreaR

[Daniele'sTwins]

Andrea...I am looking into that strollerstrides thing. Thanks so much, it sounds like fun! I have a doctors appointment this morning so I have to run, get me ready, and the boys ready, and then drop them off at mom's before I go!

[sgarrett]

AndreaR: Thank you, I think we all have the most beautiful babies! The bumbo seats are suppose to help their neck strength. I just sit right with them while they are in theirs helping support their neck when they start really wobbleing. Where do you find Fenugreek tea? I hate tea but I will choke it down if it will help! The stroller strides looks great, I wish they were doing in Nashville. I am in the same boat every week I say I am going to start working out but never do it!

Christel: My DH and I started the Southbeach diet Sunday. I researched it and we can do phase 2 while I am bf just not phase 1. How do you want to do the diet buddy thing? My personal email is sgarrett@adt.com. Email me any ideas.

Lisa: Sorry about the rough night. One thing I have tried when Aiden is super fussy at night I BF him in the bathtub. Try giving Brady a bottle while in the tub with him, it really relaxes him.

I took the day off work today and went and got a salt body scrub, a full body massage and a facial. It was wonderful! Even though Aiden was up every two hours last night breastfeeding I still feel revitalized!

I hope everyone has a great night! :)

Staci

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Lisa...Your baby is sleeping 9 hrs at night! That is AMAZING! Who cares about hte napping during hte day they should only be sleeping about 4 hours all together during the day when they are 14 wks anyway. You are doing a great job. As for your mil...you had me laughing out loud about her perfume! But yes, I do think just that little bit of time could set off a baby. I noticed a difference in my boys when my parents watched them Saturday night and they decided not to follow my scheduale!!! My boys were sleeping about 9 hrs a night up until then. Saturday night my parents didn't want to feed them their last bottle and just send them to bed early so they were up at 2 am to eat again...GRRRR. Not to mention I had a few drinks seeing that "my boys sleep through the night".

Staci... I am so happy that you were able to have such a relaxing day! YOu totally deserve it!

[vthompson]

Staci - What a nice day you had!! I am jealous!! :)

Lisa - It sounds to me like your IL's overstimulated the babies...why is that? It seems to me like everyone around us wants to watch the twins but then they don't follow the schedule that we have set. It is very frustrating! I was also laughing about the perfume. Well, hang in there...I would DEFINITELY limit any babysitting time for the IL's! BTW, congrats on the great sleeping during the night! Kayley is my better sleeper at night, but only takes like 1 nap during the day if I am lucky...if that is any consolation!

AndreaR - I really want a bumbo seat, but it is just not in our budget right now...I think I will look on Ebay! I looked into the stroller strides and there is nothing in my area :sigh: This is another reason why I wish we all lived in the same town...we could start our own stroller strides! Could you imagine that sight!

AndreaR and Daniele - I was cracking up at your posts on shopping!! Too funny!

Daniele - I am sorry to hear about your meltdown...I would have felt the same way. I think it is great, though, that DH acknowledged all of your hard work. I also think it is great that you were able to call AndreaR and vent!

Mindy - I have been thinking about you a lot lately and sending prayers your way!

Talk to everyone later!

Oh, BTW, does anyone have one of those exersaucers? We have 2 that we got for the shower...the ones that the baby sits in and there are all kinds of toys attached to it. We haven't started using them yet, but someone told me that they are terrible on the baby's hips...has anyone heard this before? They look like so much fun and I think they will really entertain the twins once they are old enough to sit in them. Any thoughts....

I had one other question...are you ladies still using the head rests in the car seats? When do we stop using them? Just wondering...

Valerie

[Daniele'sTwins]

i added 2 new pics of my boys...

Mindy, I'm thinking about you too! I hope everything is ok.

[qbanmom5]

Steph: Oh yeah! I forgot but I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about your cat situation. I totally relate (remember?) Even though I have Blossom back, they are outdoors mainly and we keep the garage open so they can come in and out. I was sad, but I am sooo overwhelmed that I don't have time to think about it. Maybe you could keep your cat but make it an outdoor cat? It took a while of slamming the door shut in their faces but now they totally love being outside and don't even want to come in. Sounds mean, but it is just how it has to be right now.

BTW, Screech flew away. I was soo upset yet overwhelmed and numb that I haven't cried.

Also, my mom left back to her place yesterday and I cried all night. Even though she didn't help out much its amazing how much I needed her here with me. I feel like a little girl again...

Why are my kids the only ones not sleeping through the night? I am sooo tired of getting up like every 2 hours. It sucks!!!!

Great news about Evan's tooth! My kids are all late teethers. I swear I think the earliest teether I had was Raquel at like 9-10 months! Little Terri was like a week away from her 1 year birthday before she cut her first tooth. She was walking a week later. That looked funny! I swear I thought something had gone wrong in her development and she wasn't going to get teeth ever!

Danielle: Your boys are soooo cute. Gosh we have cute babies. I am sure it was thanks to Sherry's good advice and all the water we drank lol.

We miss you Sherry

Gotta run, tons of stuff to do, Ters

[vthompson]

Ters - You are not alone my friend...Corey, unless in his car seat, is up every 3 hours at night! I am so sorry to hear about your bird. Maybe he will come back. And don't feel like a little girl for needing your mom...we all need our moms from time to time!

Daniele - Your new pics are adorable!

Valerie

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hey Val...yes, I have the exersaucers and I have been using htem for about 10 minutes a day. I did hear that they can be bad on hips so I limit the time but they really like them. Also, I have been using the jumparoo...they are even starting to jump. I let them in that one for up to 20 mins because their feet touch the floor with that one. My boys aren't as into the vibrating chairs anymore. Their favorite thing to do is stare at mommy when she acts crazy. They also love to sit on my lap facing me and have full blown out conversations! they talk and I respond back and forth for soo long and they just get a kick out of that.

**Luca laughed outloud for the first time yesterday. It was adorable, unfortunately it was at my mom and not me...lol.

As for the head rest in the car seat I am still using them.

[sgarrett]

exersaucers: We have the jumparoo but have not started using them yet.

Danielle: Your new pics are adorable! How old are your babies? I would love to use the jumparoos!


Valerie: We still use the headrests.

Ters: You are not alone, Aiden woke up every 2 to 3 hours last night! Isabelle only wakes up twice a night now.

Have a great day everyone!

Staci

[vthompson]

What is a jumperoo?

Lisa - Those pics are adorable! Your boys are so cute! I loved the homecoming king shirt!!

My twins have never really gotten into their bouncy seats...I wish they would, at least it would be one more thing to entertain them.

Valerie

[christel]

Afternoon ladies,

It's 1pm here and I just got a shower and changed out of my jammies. I left DH alone w/ the girls yesterday to attend a conference for work (I'm working from home most days) and let's just say that nothing was attended to but the girls. They were diapered and fed and I think he played w/ them, but that's about it. So, I'm taking care of the girls today and running around like an ADHD chicken w/out its head doing laundry, bills, dishes, bottles, floors, etc. And then... I smell myself :spitwater ... and I realize that I haven't showered since... I can't believe I'm going to admit this... Monday! I kept thinking after I got home yesterday that'd I'd shower before bed. No one but you knows my shame.

Ok - I'm gong to try and catch up, but I've got precious few minutes before the girls wake up hungry.

Naps - doing better and sleeping in the crib. Still in the cosleeper for nights. Thinking about making the move for nights soon. Still makes me a little sad, though.

AndreaR - thanx for the strollerstrides info. I found a group that meets close to me and I'm going to check it out. I think the workout will kick my a$$, though, and the girls will have to drive me home.

Staci - I'll email you about the diet buddy thing. Phase 2 of SB diet might be a good plan for me, too. And I am jealous of your spa day :) Sounds fabulous!

Lisa - super cute pictures!!!!! We use the jumparoo for Emme and have to put a phonebook under her feet so she can reach :lol: Last weekend she pooped out the side of her diaper (??) and it plopped on the phonebook! Too weird and so gross. But, it didn't get on her onsie or the jumparoo.

Valerie - we're still using the headrests, too. My girls were 21 and 21 1/2 inches long at their last checkup a few weeks ago, so I think we'll still be using them a while longer.

Mindy -praying for your family. I am really sorry for the difficult times you've had. Take comfort in your beautiful children.

gotta go, will try to hit the rest later... girls are awake and hungry

-Christel

[christel]

Ok, I'm back... false alarm, they went back to sleep.

Steph and Andrea - thanks for the mom/baby exercises and play/development activites. I printed them off and am going to do them this afternoon. I'm excitied about the break in the monotony.

This weekend we have tickets to the Austin City Limits music festival. We bought them before the girls were born and have gone for the past 3 years. It's totally outdoors and crowded and loud and a blast, but we're having serious reservations about going w/ the girls. We've made a half-a$$ effort to sell the tickets. If they don't sell, I think we may try to go for some of it on Fri. and Sat. My parents will be here and are more than happy to keep the girls, but that throws a kink in the BF. I have a pump, but don't have a battery pack for it. I hate to buy that just for one weekend. The festival's about a 40 min. drive from the house, one way. So, it's not a run back and forth kinda thing. This is stressing me out and it's supposed to be fun.

Oh, they're really awake now! Bye.

[sgarrett]

Christel; I have been on the SB diet since Sunday and have lost 5 lbs!:yippee: I know in the beginning of a diet you lose a lot of water weight but it is still exciting to see the scale moving in the right direction!:dude:

[megzmom]

Hey ladies. Sooo behind in reading posts. Want to quit teaching too much extra and not enough real teaching energy left. Want to change schools too.

Bumbo-so broke cant get them but want them soo bad.

Rolling-BEN ROLLED TODAY!!! really sad that MIL saw it first not me. Still jealous. Sound inmature I know.

Baths-were do you guys give the boys a bath? I was using the yellow sponge in the sink but they are too big now. WIthout the bumbo I dont want to bend over the tub. Horribe back pain since delivery.

Anyone hiring :):cool:

[vthompson]

Christel - You can also buy a thing that plugs into your cigarrete lighter of the car that you can plug things into that use electricity...but then again, it would probably be the same as buying a battery pack...

Heather - So great to hear from you...congrats on the rolling over! I do not think you are immature at all...you love your boys and want to be there for all of their firsts. I am sorry that teaching is not going well. When I was laid off, I was feeling the same as you...it was almost a blessing in disguise, except there are no other teaching jobs here in Ohio.

Baths - We use the baby bath tubs in our tub...it does require a lot of bending over, though.

Valerie

[sgarrett]

Heather - I bathe with them alot in the tub or the shower. They LOVE the shower! Sometimes when Aiden is fussy, the best way to calm him is BF while we are in the bathtub together. BTW I have told my nanny that if the babies do a 1st for her to not tell me. I do not think you are immature at all. We are their mommies of course we want to see thier "1sts"

Aiden has been spitting up a ton, the doc advised me to put a little rice cereal in their bottles. One tablespoon per 2 ozs.

Today is their 3 month birthday, I cannot believe they are that old, it seems like yesterday we were in the hospital. Time sure did not fly this fast when I was preggo!

Staci

[sgarrett]

Man Felisha - I am so sorry, I have been so overwhelmed with work myself, but at least I have help when I get home. You truly are an amazing person. I hope we can get together soon, you can teach me a thing or two! Sorry work is so crazy, is there an end in sight? Our fiscal year ends this month that is why mine is so nuts, but at least I see the light at the end of the month!

Babies sleeping: This is the 2nd night in a row we got the babies to sleep without a screaming fit! I hope this is a trend!

Good night Mommies!

WE MISS YOU SHERRY!
Mindy I am still praying for you and your family, we miss you!

Staci

[LucasMom]

Hi all,

Thank you all so much for your well wishes. I have not been on to even read posts, but I saw from just scrolling through that you all are thinking of my family. My brother is still in ICU, but he is alive. He has suffered serious damage to his heart and respiratory system, but his mental faculties seem to be as in order as they can be in his state, so that is good. He was without full oxygen for 8 hours, and it has left his lungs and resp. system depressed and not functioning to capacity. He finally woke up yesterday, and asked us what happened. He also had a mini breakdown (through?) with apologies and admittals and requests to go somewhere where he could learn to "feel normal" again, so we see all of that as a positive. We need to get him physically out of the woods first and then we can worry about helping him mentally. Anyway, JC is still working from 7:30 am until 1:00 am every day, and has not had a day off since he started his new job last Tuesday, so it has been a struggle to say the least. I have been avoiding coming on, and almost thought I should stop completely , because I hate to come on here and be negative, especially since I am usually a pretty positive person, and I don't want to be the downer on here, but suffice it to say, between a 10 hour work day, 3 kids on my own and my family, I am having a rough go at it right now. But, you know, we muddle through. And the boys make me so happy. Logan is getting his top right tooth, it has started to poke through! The boys are on carrots now, and have been doing oatmeal and rice cereal from the bowl for about a month total. They eat twice a day, at lunch and dinner and they love it. I have to go, I have a meeting in a few. I am sorry for all the yuck news, but I miss you all.

Thanks to all of you for your kind thoughs and PM's. I just got them, and when things calm down, I will get back to you all.

Love,

Mindy

[Daniele'sTwins]

FIrst of all I am so glad you posted Mindy, I am even more happy that your brother is getting better. Please don't ever feel as though you are being negative. You have SO much going on right now and this is always a safe place to vent. We are your friends! As for your DH...what is this new job?? I thought my DH worked a lot but your husband has mine beat by a lot!

Valerie...I still give the boys baths in the baby tub in the kitchen sink.

Felisha...i sent out the coupons. That sucks about your dd's father not calling her for her birthday, but you know what she has you who makes her feel special. You are an amazing mother!!!

[sgarrett]

Mindy: Please do not ever feel like you should not be "negative" my god you have alot of negative going on right now. I am thrilled that your brother is doing better AND saying he actually wants help. They say an addict will not want help until he truly hits rock bottem, I guess a near death experience is about as rock bottem as you can get! I hope this is a major turning point for him and your family. Please stay on the board, you are still a postive inspiration to us all. Wow your DH is working some major hours, is this temporary since he is starting a new position or this going to be the norm?

Staci

[megzmom]

Mindy-I am so glad that your brother is stablized. I didnt read exactly what happened (missed a few days). PLEASE vent, cry complain. We all need each other. You are all my family!!! I thank God for all of you.

Cereal-still only at night, helped a little with spit up. Instead of 3 diaper clothes a feeding we are down to 1-2 :) Started bananas 2 days ago. They arent into it. I will do it for another few days just to make sure no reaction. then I will try veggies. Is there a special order that you should introduce foods? I just guessed with bananas. I dont remember what I did with dd. I just know I made most of her own. Havent done that yet with the boys but I probably will.

Let me know if there is a special order on introducing solids.

Felisha-you are an awesome person and mom. Do you have ANY help from family? I wish I was closer to you. I really dont know how you do it. I struggle on sundays by myself (dh works).

Take care!

PS. My class is doing a Flat Stanley project. Anyone live near a neat "famous" monument that is willing to take on a paper visitor? Take pictures of Stanley with you near a neat place or send a postcards, etc??

[sgarrett]

I love Flat Stanley! My nephew did one, I would be glad to send a postcard or take a pic of Flat Stanely with sites around Nashville!

Staci

[christel]

Hi!

:yippee: The girls passed their hearing screen today. They had to go for a follow up. It was supposed to be a 3 month screen, but we got to it a little late.

DH and I posted our concert tickets on craigslist and they sold right away. So, that decision has been made. I'm relieved. Yeah, I would have liked to have heard some of the bands, but not w/ screaming unhappy babies... which they would have been b/c they would be hot and tired and sooooo overstimulated. It also means I don't have to go buy extra parts for my pump!

My parents descend tomorrow night and then one of my sisters and her fiance come on Sun. and leave on Mon. I love 'em all, but I'm looking forward to Tues. ;)


Felisha - my FIL, so to speak, is a complete a$$ and never remembers DH's or his sister's b-day. It's been that way since he split when DH was 6 and SIL was 1. I think they'd both tell you it hurt, but they kind of expect him to be that way and that the happy birthday wishes from the people who are constant in their lives mean so much more. All that to say, I know it sucks but continue to be the great mom that you are and show DD how to be a strong woman and she'll not only survive, she'll thrive.

Mindy - still praying :grouphugg

Staci - starting my workout tomorrow morning :workout:

Heather - even w/ the Bumbos you do a lot of bending. We have a little padded kneeling bench that helps some. I also use the bath sponge in the bottom of the tub w/ very little water and lay them out on it. What's Flat Stanley? Explain! I live in Austin, TX and there's plenty of stuff of historical importance around.

later alligators,
Christel
:lovemytwins:

[mmzill]

Indtroducing Food - There is a great book I got with dd called Super Baby Food. It has the most info on when to introduce what foods! I highly recommend it.

Well I got to meet Valerie and her precious little ones today in Pittsburgh. We had a really nice time! Got to hold Corey. What a flirt! :) It was a lot of fun. We are planning on getting together again next month (with Lisa too!) I can't wait. What a hoot that will be!

Mindy - still thinking about you alot! Don't ever feel bad for griping here! That's what we are here for!

Well, need to get Anthony to sleep.

~Monica

[Daniele'sTwins]

Christel...congrats on the girls passing the hearing test! That must feel so good!

Val and Monica...that is so cool that you two got to meet!

I am soooo tired tonight and the boys are already sleeping however what the heck is taking ME so long to get to bed??? I am off!

Love you all!

Daniele

[qbanmom5]

Hi all!

Can you all please reply and tell me if you are feeding your babies yet and what. I know you are Mindy, but I think yours are older than mine (they turned 3 months on the 1st). Mine are still on only formula but they are waking up all night so I think they are hungry.

Desperate and tired, Ters

[AndreaR]

hard to post cuz i'm feeding maddie w/ my left hand in the dark...

ters - have u tried feeding L & L more thru out the day? my girls were also born on the 1st. they don't always sleep thru the night but they're getting there. so sorry. the sleep deprivation is really the worst.

mindy - :throb: :throb: :throb: :throb:


will post more later.

[megzmom]

Flat Stanley is a character from a children's chapter book and he gets flatten by a falling bulletin board. Good thing becasue now he can go visit relatives through the mail (they couldnt afford it before). So there is a whole website for teachers/students to send around the world. You can tie so many subjects: writing, reading, social studies, science etc.
Staci and Christel-thanks for offering! Just PM me your address and we will pack Stanley's suitcases!


I LOVE Austin. I lived in SA for 8 years while I was in the Air Force.

Food-We have been feeding both boys cereal and 5 oz for the past 1 1/2 mths. They were 3 mths on the 2nd! We just started bananas but not sure the order. Will check out the book!

[vthompson]

Mindy - I think it is time for all of us to be your cheerleader! Do not hesitate to ever come on here and vent, even if you feel you are being negative. You are always there for all of us and we are here for you too!

Heather - I think the Flat Stanley project is so cool! When I was teaching, another teacher did it and she made a wall display outside her room with all of the Flat Stanley projects she got back. It was really neat to see all the places and pictures. I am not sure what Cleveland could offer you...we have the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Is that the kind of places you are looking for?

Ters - My babies are still only on formula, they turned 3 months on August 27th. Corey is very much like your little ones...DH actually just discussed it this morning, I am going to buy some rice cereal and try putting it in his bottle tonight. We are just too darn tired to keep this up so I figured it is worth a try. Hearing Heather talk about introducing other foods, though, makes me want to try it, too...

Christel - Congrats on the hearing screen and good luck on working out! I give you credit!!

Felisha - I know I keep saying it, put you are such an amazing wife and woman to be doing all of this on your own and still holding your head up high! Keep it up! You have proved yourself to be a strong independent person so screw those 2 guys!! And I agree, your daughter is seeing you everyday as a role model and she is going to grow up with so much confidence and strength!

Yesterday was such a great day...as Monica said, we met at a mall in Pittsburgh, PA...her children are so adorable! And yes, Corey did A LOT of flirting with Monica while she tried to feed him. He wouldn't suck because he was so busy looking up at her smiling...it was so cute! It was just so nice to have someone to talk to and hang out with that understands everything you are going through. I also met her DH, Victor...he is very nice...they are both great parents! And Alaina is a sweetheart!! I can't wait to meet you Lisa in Grove City and again in Pitt with Monica...what a sight that will be! Actually, at the mall yesterday, we saw like 3 or 4 other twins...it was crazy!

Have a great day ladies!

Valerie

[vthompson]

Lisa - BTW, your thought of the day cracked me up!! I often think about what I was doing this time last year and how things have changed! It is amazing how quickly you change into a mom!!

Valerie

[sgarrett]

Christel: You go girl on the workout, I emailed you back with my diet and exercise plan. And yes I want everyone on the board to know I TURNED DOWN CHEESECAKE LAST NIGHT!:woo: I think you should automatically drop 10 lbs when this type of sacrifice is made!

Heather: My . I will take Flat Stanley to The Parthanon, maybe the Egytpian exhibit at The Frist if he gets here on time, and weather permitting fishing.

Ters: Aiden and Isabelle turned 3 months on the 13th and we started putting 1 tablespoon per 2oz of formula in their bottles on their Bday. The doc suggested it b/c Aiden was spitting up a ton! It has helped the spit up, sleeping has been pretty good too. I am not quite sure if I credit the sleeping with the cereal b/c I usually BF Aiden all night and it seems like the sleeping has its ups and downs anyway. They will go 1 week sleeping 5-6 hours at a time than switch back to waking up every 1.5 - 2 hours all night for a week. Good luck, the weeks when they pull the every 2 hour bit are so rough, I have no brainpower at work.

That is so cool so of the mommies are meeting, I hope to do the same some day!

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Staci

[mmzill]

My guys are 5 1/2 mos and I haven't started cereal yet.....but I meant to pick some up today at Walmart and forgot :( (They should only be like 3 1/2 mos though.) Anthony is such an oinker! I think that he would do well starting on something more!

Staci - Way to go!!!! :clap: Turning down Cheesecake, that is my favorite dessert! I've got to get better at turning down sugar. I have such a sweet tooth.


Sleeping - my guys were doing so well sleeping alot at night.......not so well any more. They are up every 3 to 4 hrs this week...grrr!!! HOW CAN THAT HAPPEN...???? so much progress then this!:crazy:

Hope you all have a great day!
~Monica

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hello Ladies...I had a crazy day! My mother and I decided to take the boys to Target and they screamed the whole time! We had to old them in one are and push each carriage in the other in order to get them to stop crying. If we tried to put them back in the carseat they would scream again. I feel so frustrated! I want to take them out more (especially on my own) but they always cry.

Rainy day, cleaned a lot but I didn't feel like cooking (usually the opposite) so it is pizza for us.

My thoughts and prayers are still with you and your family Mindy.

Sherry...COME BACK ALREADY!!!

AndreaR..how is the BF going? Have you been back to the docs?

[qbanmom5]

By some miracle, Luke slept from 9:45 till 6:00 am!!!! I couldn't believe it. He was in bed with me, mind you cause I fell asleep while DH was feeding him and he put him to sleep next to me. He woke up and squirmed a couple of times but I would put the paci back in and hed fall back asleep. Leia, on the other hand, fell asleep at like 6:30 and wouldn't wake up. DH woke her up and fed her around ten but she woke up again at 3:30 am. At least I could pretty good sleep in there. I hope tonight is the same.

I think the babysitter feeds them pretty well during the day, she writes down how much they drink. I am going to try to make sure they don't go down for the night until at least 8:00 and that they have had a hefty bottle.

Since Leia cries so bad when she poops and she is normally constipated I am afraid that the rice cereal will make it worse. What do you all think? Do you think I can try giving her the prune baby food? The prune juice ended up staining everything.

Gotta run, Ters

[AndreaR]

IZZY HAS A COLD!! :cry: it's so sad to see. We went to the pedi today, and she was fine. Then, right before bathtime, she started sounding sniffly, and lo and behold, her nose is dripping like a faucet now. Am I supposed to do anything? I am hesitant to call the doctor, because it's just a cold, right? There's nothing you can really do, right? I looked in "What to Expect...." and it didn't seem to say too much (use the bulb syringe, saline drops, etc). I suppose I should take her temp? But she doesn't seem warm, and she's not fussy at all.

So much for breastfeeding......... I haven't seen any benefit in the weightloss department; I got my period less than three months after they were born; and what about increased immunity for b/f children???

At the pedi today, both girls weights were great. They each gained one pound in two weeks, so that's just over an ounce per day. That's the target. So the doctor is happy. I figured since Isabelle gained enough weight, then the b/f'ing is working. So I didnt' say anything. I'll stick it out a while longer. I just seem to have my ups and downs with it. Besides (like I said before), getting Izzy to take a bottle is going to be murder, so I'd rather avoid it for right now. Thanks for asking, Daniele.

Speaking of pedis - Yesterday I had a pedicure for the first time since the girls were born. It was like heaven!

Baths - we have the FisherPrice tub with a net/sling. I put it on the counter in the bathroom. Ronit likes to put it in the bathtub, but that's way too hard on my back and knees. We're still using the net/sling. I tried to put Isabelle in the tub without it, and she kept sliding over to her side. Both of my girls love the bath, by the way. When I had Izzy in the tub without the net, she kept kicking and splashing the water. I can't wait to their old enough to take a bath together. I think they'll have a blast.

Daniele - dont' put so much pressure on yourself. There will be days when you can take the boys out by yourself, and there will be days like today when it seems like you need three people. Pretty soon they'll be on a good schedule and you'll know when their "good times" are.


Heather - If Flat Stanley wants to come to Massachusetts, the girls and I would love to have him. I helped my niece with her FS project a while ago, and it was SO much fun. Let me know, and I'll send you my address.

Lisa - isn't it just THE BEST when they look at eachother and smile/coo? It makes up for every ache/pain of pregnancy and every minute of sleeplessness. I've probably recorded over an hour of video tape of the girls doing it. It's really beautiful.

My SIL bought the girls Halloween costumes...a little angel and a little devil...from RedEnvelope.com Izzy looks hilarious with the little devil cap. I don't know if we're doing anything for Halloween, but I'll at least take pictures. The costumes are too cute.

Gotta go to bed. I'm pooped.

Love you all - we are having company tomorrow and Sunday, so I probably won't be around. Have a nice weekend.

AndreaR

ps. I know I shouldn't, but I feel like a bad mom for exposing Isabelle to germs some how.

[mmzill]

Colds - my boys have both had colds.....no fun! Suctioning them is really important. Even though they hate it! It helps prevent infection. If the snot gets green, you need to call the dr, that's when it's infected. I was given something called Baby Saline, it is like arosolspray saline. It works really well to get it up in their noses. The lady who gave it to me, said she got it at RiteAid (a drug store) I also have used the Little Noses saline stuff, but the other works much better. They also have bulb syringes that have a larger tip, those work better than the ones that they give you from the hosp. (In my humble opion) :drool:

My dd just got a runny nose Thursday! ugh....so here we probably go again with a cold. It always seems to get passed around.

[Daniele'sTwins]

:cry: Poor IZZY!!! I feel so bad! I do NOT look forward to that at all!!!

I am soooo tired right now and both my boys are sleeping but my parents are here playing cards with DH and I don't want to be rude and go to bed while they are still here. I guess i just wanted to let you all know...lol

Good night...

[sgarrett]

Poor Izzy and poor mommy! I dread their 1st colds!

AnderaR - angel and devil that is what I want to do for costumes, I hope you do not mind we buying the same costumes!

Good night everyone!

Staci

[swineland]

FYI!

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Abbott health care company is recalling hundreds of thousands of bottles of infant formula because they might not have enough vitamin C.

The recall is for approximately 100,000 32-ounce plastic bottles of Similac Alimentum Advance liquid formula and approximately 200,000 bottles of Similac Advance with Iron, Abbott spokeswoman Tracey Noe said Friday.

The bottles, distributed by Abbott's Ross Products division, are missing a layer of material that keeps air out of the bottle, Noe said. When oxygen enters the bottle, it causes the vitamin C to break down over time, she said.

If infants drink formula without enough vitamin C for two to four weeks, they could start exhibiting symptoms of vitamin C deficiency, which include irritability with generalized tenderness, the company said in a release. So far, Abbott has received no medical complaints.

The Similac Alimentum Advance has stock code 57512, lot number 401895V and use-by 1 May 2007 printed on the back of the bottle; the Similac Advance with Iron has stock code 55961, lot numbers 40177RH or 40172RH and use-by 1 November 2007. Some of the bottles may have been included in Similac Advance Hospital Discharge Kits -- stock code 58986 and lot number 41699D5 are printed on the back of the bear tag attached to the kit.

Abbott, formerly known as Abbott Laboratories, is based in suburban Chicago.

Consumers with questions can contact Abbott's Ross Products division at 800-624-3412.

[sgarrett]

Felisha: You now just became my DH's best friend! I was dragging him to the Frist, (he is not a museum kind of guy) I told him he did not have to go with me b/c my internet buddy would! (does that sound like a geek or what?!) I never thought I would say internet buddy! How about next Sunday? I have to go to Atlanta Sat, my eldest son's grandma is not doing so well and we are going to visit her.

Staci

[vthompson]

Hello Ladies! I hope everyone is having a good weekend. Well, DH and I were supposed to go out on Saturday for a MUCH needed date. My BIL and SIL were supposed to babysit but got sick and my mom is very sick so we couldn't go. We found out on Friday and I was so frustrated, I just cried. I am over it now, but I was just so disappointed. We haven't been out just the two of us since June! In 2 weeks, we are going to Penn State over night for a football game so I am trying to look forward to that. However, it is the first time we will be leaving the babies over night so I am anxious about that at the same time...I just can't win!

We started putting cereal in Corey's bottle on Friday...not sure I see much of a difference but we will see. We did not try Kayley on it since she sleeps pretty well at night. However, even though she is on Zantac, she still spits up a lot...maybe I should try her on it.

I have been aganozing over Corey's sleeping situation. He starts out in his crib flat, but usually ends up in his carrier because he just will not sleep. I did not research on the dangers of sleeping in the car seat and I did not really find anything. Interesting enough, there were a ton of forums related to this problem, so at least Corey is not the only baby who needs the comfort of his seat. I do not know why I am beating myself up over this, is it really that big of a deal? I am just a mess I guess! Between the car seat and our TERRIBLE nap routines, I have been feeling like a failure lately. I am just frustrated...

Halloween costumes - I LOVE Halloween! I decorate our house and in the past, DH and I have dressed up every year for a party we go to. If you ladies got your hands on those pics, you would crack up!! I have been looking at costumes for the babies, but have not really found much that I like yet. Maybe I will look on the Internet.

Steph - Thanks for the info on the formula. Our twins are on Alimentum, as soon as I read your post, I looked at all of our cans.

Sherry - Happy birthday!! We miss you!

AndreaR - I am so sorry to hear about Izzy! Do not feel bad...you are not a bad mom! It is totally not your fault that she is sick.

Ters - YEAH on the sleep!! I am anxious to hear if it happened again!

Lisa - Don't you love it when they notice each other!! It is so cute! I love when they "talk" to each other. Isn't one of your boys on Zantac? How do you give it to him? I feel bad, because Kayley gags so bad when I give it to her. Can you put it in their bottle?

Staci - You ped suggested putting in 1 tablespoon per 2 oz? I tried 1 tsp per ounce but it does not seem like very much. Maybe I will try your formula.

Ok, gotta go, babies need me!!

Valerie

p.s. don't have time for spell check so sorry for all the mistakes!

[LucasMom]

Hey girlies,

No time to talk, just wanted to let you all know that I love you and thank you for your undying support. You are awesome. I think of you all everyday. I wish I had time to respond, but I have 5 loads of laundry to do before I hit the sack tonight, and I must get moving.

DH is still not home, and I am dealing with it the best I can considering the circumstances. My brother is alive. He has done some major damage to his heart and lungs, but he will survive. My parents are in major denial about the whole thing, but he is going to a place where they can help him learn to deal with his problem as soon as they can get his health stabilized. He is still in ICU, but off the ventilator and breathing on his own.

Babies are eating Rice, Oatmeal and carrots. This week, we start peas. They eat at lunch and dinner, and have a small ramekin sized bowl each, usually mixed together. They are doing great with the food, and drinking less formula.

I miss you all, and things have been crazy busy lately. Our 5th wedding anniversary is approaching, and we are going to our favorite hotel for the evening next week and out to dinner.

Steph, Danielle and Lisa--Still looking to meet up in October!!! Can wait to meet any all all of you. Lisa- Name the date and time, and I will be at that mall!! Steph and Dan-NY, here we come!

I need a rest, a massage, a jacuzzi...anything relaxing...

Excuse the spelling errors and grammatical mistakes, typing in the dark, and too tired to get up and turn on the light. Will write when I have more time. Like I said, I miss all of you and thank you so much for your well wishes and support.

Hugs mamas,

Mindy

[LucasMom]

HAPPY 4 MONTH BIRTHDAY!!!!
ETHAN AND BRADY!!!
LOGAN AND DYLAN!!!!

Love,

Your mommies!
Lisa- Yes, I can do a Sunday.

:partygirls:

[christel]

Hi ladies :)

The last of my company just left :clap: I love 'em, but it's so exhausting! The girls were just useless after so much overstimulation and have slept all afternoon w/ just a quick break to eat and take a bath.

Ruby laughed, really laughed :lol: , during her bath! :yippee: It was so precious and we caught it on video! Both girls have been doing hee-hees for a while, but this was a full blown laugh and I'm so glad that DH and I were both there for it.

Staci- I'll email my confessions, but suffice it to say that dieting has not been on the menu this wkend.

Heather - I'm going to pm you my address as soon as I finish this post. Can't wait for FS to arrive!

Felisha - so glad that your DD's party was fun and that dad came... w/ presents, too!

Valerie - I heard from a mom friend that it's ok to give Zantac in the bottle.

AndreaR - we've had a household cold the past week that has given the girls runny noses and one night Ruby had a low grade fever and I gave her Tylenol. We think DH brought it home. As far as first illnesses, I'm glad that's all it is. The girls haven't seemed to feel bad at all. Don't blame yourself, it was gonna happen... it's just a matter of when. I read in a baby mag. that the majority of healthy babies have between 9 and 12 illnesses in the first year and that most get the first one around 4 mo. of age.

Halloween costumes - I bought baby lamb costumes off of ebay last month. We'll probably take the girls to a Halloween block party, not trick or treating, and we'll bring the dog, too... a border collie. It's kinda a "Babe" theme w/out the pig :)

must go start supper,
Christel

[AndreaR]

hi ladies,

regression on sleeping through the night..............check!
i just spent an hour and a half rocking isabelle back to sleep.

i have been reading the posts, but haven't had time to reply. now i'm too tired. i hope to have time tomorrow (later today).

thinking about all of you with lots of love.

andrear

[swineland]

Hi !!
Regression on sleeping through the night....total CHECK here too! I got up to feed them at 2:15am and Bailey is STILL awake. I finally said to heck with it....I know he's been fed, he's comfortable, he's safe, he's not crying just awake, he can get himself back to sleep. I feel like a mean mommy, but I've already rocked him TWICE until he was asleep and as soon as he hits the crib sheet, he perks right back up. Evan did the exact same thing. He just would NOT go back to sleep. So, I flipped him over and put him on his back and he eventually fell asleep after goofing off for 30 mins or so. I am SO tired of being up in the middle of the night anymore.... I'm looking for the miracle night to happen soon where I wake up and and say "oh my gosh! They slept from 8 to 6!" I swear I need you Mindy to come here and get these boys on YOUR schedule..... :)

Things here are going good. I have been busy and every time I sit down to post, I am needed elsewhere. Gee, I'm sure none of you know what I'm talking about...haha. We are getting ready to trade in my Lexus RX300 for a Toyota Sienna. I'm so excited!! I love my car, don't get me wrong, but it's just not big enough. This van we're getting is a couple years old, a 2004, but it's loaded out with leather, power everything, woodgrain, etc. Since we are getting a used one we can afford to get all the extra goodies. I am not a big fan of buying brand new cars anyway....it's a total rip. Anywho, I have to drive to the dealer tomorrow to look at it, get some #'s down, etc. I hope the boys cooperate!

So what is everyone feeding their babies these days? My guys are 3 1/2 months old and are still on formula with an occasional cereal bottle at night. I've tried the cereal with a spoon, but they are usually too hungry to want to eff around with the spoon. They are getting 5 oz's at every feeding, still eating around 3-4 hour intervals.

Happy 4 month birthday Ethan and Brady, Logan and Dylan!! I can't believe it's been 4 months already! The other part of me feels like it's been 4 YEARS already :)

Well, I finally hear quiet in the nursery, so I'm going to double check and then go back to sleep myself.

Ters, thanks for your kind words about my cats. I remember the whole Blossom debacle and how upset you were when he was "missing". I love my cats so much......I just hate having to do this. Of course, I'm totally dragging my feet about it, which is why the cats are still here with us :) Maybe this weekend we'll take them.

Mindy and Danielle, I am still totally up for NY shopping weekend!! Any weekend in October except the 7th would work for me. Let's plan it.

HEATHER!! Couple of things.... 1. the GOMOTT fall clothing exchange (aka baby gear and clothing free-for-all garage sale) is Oct. 7th....wanna go?? ALso, I don't know if you are at all interested, or maybe you've already used yours, but we get a 1 month free membership at the Celebration Fitness Center and Spa for having our babies at Celebration Hospital. Would you be at all interested in meeting up sometime there? I am NOT an exercising kind of gal....I hate it to be perfectly honest. However, I am thinking that I need to get my flabby stomach and arse back in shape, so I might as well take advantage of a free month's membership!

Well, I REALLY gotta go......
Love to all.....
Stephie

[vthompson]

Well, it must be the week of hell as far as taking care of twins goes! The babies were SO fussy yesterday and would not nap. They had low grade fevers, in the 99 degree zone. We gave them some tylenol last night and this morning. They do not have sniffles or anything else like that (knock on wood!). I think they are teething, they are chewing on their hands a ton and seem to be easily agitated. We will see...I had to really work hard to get them to nap right now. However, I am starving and if I don't eat now, I may never eat...sorry for not responding to everyone...just needed to vent!

I will check in later...

Valerie

[sgarrett]

Totally fussey babies here, hmmm do you think they have their own chat room and they all decided it would be fun to gang up on us at once? They were up every 2-3 hours last night. Usually we feed them and they go right back down, but not last night. They wanted to fuss! Aiden has been eating his hand constantly for the past few days, but I do not feel any teeth.

Feeding: We are giving them about 5 oz with 1 tablespoon of cereal for every 2 ozs.

Has anyone switched to the #2 nipples? With the cereal it just seems it takes FOREVER for them to finish a bottle. The doc said it was not necessary to switch nipples - but hey I trust ya'lls judgement as much or more than his!

Fevers: Aiden felt really warm the other night, his temp was 99 degrees. I called the doc and they said babies temp vary between 97 degrees and 100.4 and it is not considered a fever unless it is over 100.4.

Aiden is talking so much now it is so cute. Isabelle has always been the talker. He has learned a new "trick" when I pat his mouth with my hand, (like an indian) he coos real loud so he can hear the funny noise it makes. It is soo cute and funny. He smiles the whole time he does it. He totally knows what he is doing too, b/c he starts cooing as soon as I do that to his mouth.
I swear I love these babies more every day, I still cry almost every day while holding one or the other b/c they are so sweet and I still cannot beleive they are finally here. It seems like yesterday I was so upset thinking I was not going to be able to have more kids. I wonder when my hormones will finally get back to normal so I can quit boo hooing every day! I still have not had a period and they were 3 months the 13th. Is that b/c of the BF?

Have a great day everyone!

Staci

[christel]

Sounds like the June babies are going through growth spurts w/ the wakefulnes at night... especially if they're wanting food when they wake up. I think that's normal at this point. We're kinda the odd ones out, but the girls will be 5 mo. on the 27th. They did stuff like y'all are describing about a month ago.

Milestones - mine are all over the map w/ these. Emme's been exploring her hands for a while but just the last few days has been working with individual fingers instead of the whole hand. Today she used both hands to hold a toy hanging from the kick and crawl! She's been grabbing and holding things if her hand comes into contact w/ it, but this was deliberate. She eyed it for a while and slowly put her hands into position and then grabbed. :woo:

Periods - still haven't had one... definitely b/c of the BF. I've had some breakthrough bleeding on occasion, but not a real period.

Food - The girls BF about 20 min. and then take 4 oz bottles. We haven't tried the cereal w/ spoons again for a couple of weeks. I know it's not nutritionally necessary and it's so much effort (lazy mommy here) and they wear most of it... so I'll maybe try again when they turn 5 mo. The big plus I see to it is that cereal and baby food is cheaper than formula, so if we can transition to solids and use less formula ,or maybe none if I keep BF, then that would be cool.

Nap time's over... going to go feed,
Christel

[qbanmom5]

Hi all, the sleeping the other night was a fluke.It is a little better but I am stillup 3 times a night (at least). Kids not wanting to go back to sleep in the middle of the night.... check!! Leia was up from 3:45 - 6:00. Not good considering thats the time I get up for work. I miss all of you, and love you tons. When are you getting together again? Maybe I can try to arrange something...

Ters

[megzmom]

Hi ladies,

I missed you all soo much. Crazy at work and internet isnt working at home lately.

Steph-I didnt know about the exercise thing at Celebration but my dh said yes they told you. So I would like to try. Can we try in Nov? I have no school then and I think it would be easier. Celebration is on the other side of the county from me. YES lets get together for the garage sale. Did you pay your $30 reg. fee for the club? I havent but I will. We need to get there before 7am. Last time I went the line was so long by 7! The public can go in at 8am but almost all the good stuff was gone. Now that we are looking for more clothes, toys etc it wont be so bad. PM me your number and Ill send you mine.

Flat Stanley-Christel, thanks for the address. We will send him out next week. If anyone is interested let me know-send me a pm with your address and we will pack his suitcase! Kids are so excited. We found a couple of ost classes in Canada and England already.

Nipples-we use only #2 now. We used the Y cut for formula for a few weeeks but it was way too fast and choked them.

Feeding- we added a little baby food to the cereal feeding at night. They tried squash, carrots, bananas, peaches. Their favorite is the peaches. At first they make such a pitiful face but they eat it all. We feed them without the clothes so they get it all over them but then I give them a bath right after. Save their clothes!

Bumbo-still haven bought one. But I saw that BJ's (its like Sams or Coscos) has them for $32.99. A few dollars cheaper. I am buying a leapfrog exersaucer from a friend. Hopefully they will enjoy that.

Rolled-BEN rolled over last week. Not sure if I posted that??? Zack hasnt but I swear he looks like he is going to crawl. He gets on his hands and almost on his knees. They hate belly time so this only last a min or two.

Sleeping - praise God no changes yet. Still sleeping from 9:30-6:30 or 7:30am!!!!! they have been so great. I am so sorry for all of you with cranky babies especially if you have to go to a job outside of the house.

Okay go to go back to the kids. They are in computer lab.

Take care

[TMoT]

Hi Ladies!!!!!

I'm sorry I've been so out of touch... I MISS YOU ALL SOOOOO MUCH!!!! :dh: ...Seems like the first minute of peace I get is at 2:30am, and by then I'm so bushed, I just can't even make my way to the computer. I'm SO sorry! :-( I think about you all EVERY day, and keep promising myself I'll log in, but it just never happens. :( Boo hoo!

Well, we've been keeping busy... As you all have, I see! :-D Babies are growing like weeds and I've started supplementing BF with 1-2 bottles of formula (!) at night for Artemis. She was falling asleep then waking up crying for more food, every 20 minutes, all night long. It was driving me NUTS!!! Now, things are going so much better... I'm actually getting _sleep_ on occasion, and what a difference!!!!

Regression?!?!?!?!?!! These two STILL aren't sleeping through the night -- although I read that's more common with BF babies... I'll let you know when/if it ever happens. :cool:

We were busy when my sister was here in August -- visited Amsterdam, Paris and Alsace, France and the tip of the Black Forest in Germany. It was too much, probably, but I'm glad we got out and about. It probably kept me from going insane... (???)

September has been somewhat more calm. The weather has been gorgeous :sunshine: (making up for a miserable summer!), so we're really taking advantage! Been to the Belgian Coast (??) twice and are outside with the boys and babies as much as possible... Saturday, dh and I are going for our first night "out" -- but REALLY "out"!!! If he has his way (still undecided here), we'll be MIA as far as the babies are concerned for 12 hours (!!!), but I'm not sure I'm going to go for that with the BF and all. I just don't know if I'll physically be able to manage my milk for that long without a baby nearby!!! (?!) They'll be staying with my MIL, which is a godsend. She sees them often and is convinced she and FIL will be able to handle everything, but I'm anxious -- as you can all imagine. *sigh* Anyway. Perhaps some of you out there have sent the babes to "overnight" elsewhere already???? If so, please give me advice!!!!!

Btw, I am also using the "patented Amazing Miracle Blanket" (!) with them...!!! Belinda posted about it on the July thread, and I took the bait. It works great with Miss Priss because she is SO active/fidgity all the time, she has trouble calming down enough to go to sleep without it..... THANKS Belinda -- and all you moms (Steph - I can think of off-hand) for the awesome swaddling tip! I alternate between the blanket and "free" stomach-sleeping for them. Darius is SO easy, though, I can put him to sleep in almost any position/cover and he will sleep. I just do the tummy thing when they have gas and need to "work it out"... ;-)

...I wanted to post some new pics so you can see what we're up to, so please check out my siggy... I like the one of me and A. I don't look quite as old as I feel there -- having just turned the big 4-0 on Monday! *ugh* :party: In fact, I was feeling a bit depressed about it all up until the actual day (as I shared in my last post, I think). But, now that it's over, I actually don't mind the fact that I'm *gulp* 40 so much... I guess I'll get used to it... eventually.

(Btw, are you all using all these new smilies, everyone? Honestly. They are truly out of hand!!!!!)

Well, I got lots of my pg pics up on Flickr now. If any of you have accounts, my profile-name is "Xerry." You can send me a message (or pm me) and I'll give you access to see the pics. They're all posted as private 'cause I'm paranoid about having my family pics spread all over the net. (??!!)

Two screaming babies now -- go figure. I had Thai for my birthday, and I think they're still feeling it, poor things. Gotta run now, babes. I miss you all -- truly -- and hope you're all doing really well with your lovely and amazing bundles!

Keep the faith!
Lots of love,

[vthompson]

I am so tired, so this will be quick! Not such a good week so far, babies pretty fussy, mom pretty aggravated with the fussiness, mom feeling guilty for being aggravated, DH seems to be getting aggravated, too, and the list goes on and on....however, it does seem that when I am at my wits end, one of them will smile up at me or look at me with such love in their eyes, it makes my heart melt! I just really cannot believe how hard this all is...and at the same time, how wonderful it all is!

Sherry - Your children are beautiful and you look gorgeous...so full of life! I would never even guessed you were 40! It is so great to finally hear from you. We miss you and your motherly wisdom!

Heather - Thanks for the tip on the price for the Bumbo...I need to check that out.

Ters - I miss you!! I am glad that you posted!

Sorry I am not responding to everyone, but I am being lazy ladies!! I hope everyone has a good night!

Valerie

[AndreaR]

I really want to post, because I have so much to say, but I'm just too tired. It sounds like I'm not alone.

Great to hear from you Sherry. We really do miss you around here. Love the pics! Happy Birthday!

[mmzill]

Hey ladies~

Sorry I've not posted in so long. My best friend came to visit and is still here. We are having a good time. She has a 1 yr old......so we look like quite the site with all our kids.

My boys have been quite fussy lately too. Last night they were up every two hrs....ugh! I tried Rice cereal in Anthony's bottle yesterday, but I think it made him constipated because he was fussing alot last night and farting, but yet to have any poop.

Well need to go feed my dd. Hope you all have good days.

Sorry to all you frustrated mommies! I'm right there with you this week. Love you all!
~Monica

[TMoT]

Hi, Gals! So awesome to see all your pics! I'm trying to catch up on the posts, but it's really hard!

In the meantime, we had our first shots today (see how far behind you we are?!!)... Artemis screamed bloody murder and Darius fell asleep. That about sums things up! (?!) Other than that, she's weighing in at 5.7 kilos and him 5.4. Hmm. That makes 12.6 and 11.9 pounds... Not bad -- fer twins! ;-) I don't know where your babies were at eleven weeks, but the doc and midwife here were pretty impressed and especially about the bf! Sure makes me feel good! :-)

Other things...

I'm having lots of difficulty with my 7-year-old now... :-( Ters, Monica, Mindy, Andrea, Felicia... Any thoughts??? I'm really surprised that it's happening with Maxi (he's sassy, uncooperative, grumpy, weepy, clingy) instead of with Xan, the 5.5-year-old. Now I feel like Max and Xan have switched places and I don't really know how to handle it -- given the demands of the babies. Doing my best, but I sure would love anyone's insight....

Weight: I'm still 15lbs off my pre-pg weight, but my boobs are BALLOONS at this point :eek:, so I suppose that counts for a good 8-10lbs anyway! :cool: Today, I started an "anti-gymnastics" class which promises to be awesome. If anyone's interested, here's the site:
http://www.antigymnastique.com/anglais/decouvrirgard.html

Pics: I opened a "ghost" account so you all could log in and see our family pictures. :-) You just have to log into www.flickr.com with the email address "my5i5ters[at]yahoo.com" and password "mommy247"... ;-) Then, you'll be a "friend" of mine. My flickr screenname is "Xerry".... Hope it works!

*sigh* Too tired to write anymore now. DH has filled the bathtub for me :throb: and babies are (maybe?) sleeping...

Take care of all of yous and thank you for the greetings and bday wishes!!!
Love,
Sherry

[AndreaR]

Hi! I'm supposed to be taking a shower and getting ready for Grey's Anatomy premiere, but I miss you all so much, I had to stop by for a second.

Sherry - GREAT weights on Artemis & Darius. Congratulations. My girls were weighed last week (at 16 weeks) and they were only 10-4 and 11-9. Congrats on the breastfeeding too. I know you're supplementing Artemis sometimes, but it seems like everyone who b/f twins has to supplement at least a little. Sorry I don't have any advice for you about Max, but I hope things improve soon.

I am still b/fing Izzy, and it's going fine. I have almost given up on Madeline, and I've even almost stopped pumping for her. I can't even begin to tell you the guilt, and even if I did, I know you ladies would tell me to stop feeling guilty.

Sleeping - Maddie is just about sleeping through the night. This week anyway... And Isabelle was doing great, but she seems to be having a tough week. They both have colds, so I think that might be why Izzy's not sleeping, but I can't be sure. She's been brutal to put down, for a nap or for the night. She falls asleep in my arms fine, but she won't let me put her down anywhere. We've resorted to driving around in the car or taking her for a walk in the stroller. She's sleeping in her carseat/carrier right now, in their room. I think the congestion bothers her more when she's laying flat. I hope that's all it is, otherwise we definitely have a monster on our hands. Oh, and I am the only one who can get her to sleep. She cries when Ronit or DH try to put her to bed. Mama's little princess. Good thing she's so cute....

Rolling - No rolling over yet. Actually Isabelle will roll from her back to her side and back again, but that doesn't really count. They are both getting great on their bellies, pushing their little heads way up. I call it "upward facing puppy" yoga pose. Since they can hold up their heads and look around, they're not as unhappy on their bellies. And Maddie scoots.

I set up the Jumperoo for Izzy. Maddie doesn't quite have the head control yet. Isabelle really likes it. I think she feels more independent. She likes to just hang there and look around, and then all of a sudden, she'll jump for a few seconds. It's incredibly cute. Someone here posted that the exersaucers are bad for their hips?? Do you have any more details? We have one of those, too, but we haven't set it up yet.

DH has the day off tomorrow. I am so excited. It's so much more fun when he's here, because we get to enjoy the girls together. I keep dreaming of winning the lottery and having him home all the time (but he'd probably drive me bonkers).

Christel - I'm so jealous that you haven't got your period yet. I've already had mine twice. DH is psyched, because he thinks we're "trying." HAHAHAHA

I saw a pregant mom with twins the other day. They looked to be about 10-12 months old. YIKES.

Except for the sleep issues, I am having so much fun with my girls. They seem so big to me, and so old. They are both very alert and very interactive. Isabelle will talk your ear off, and Maddie is just the sweetest little thing. They've started to notice Morgan (the dog). They stare at him when he walks by. I can just see the wheels turning in their little heads.

Staci - I hope you weren't serious when you asked if I would mind if your babies were angel/devil for Halloween! Of course not!!

Well, I really have to go. I hope everyone's night is better than last. If you're up in the middle of the night, post a message - maybe you'll find that someone else is up at the same time and we can keep eachother company. Although I am always holding/feeding a baby, so it's not always easy to type.

I found another website for mothers that's pretty cool. I usually go there and read when I'm feeding Madeline in the middle of the night. Some of the blogs are pretty funny. http://www.realsavvymoms.com/index.php

Good night dear friends. Hugs to you all - you are amazing women.

AndreaR

[AndreaR]

Sleepless night roll call............AndreaR & Isabelle check! Two hours and counting. AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGHHHHHHH :sigh:

[AndreaR]

BTW, I am very mad at DH because he wanted to bring Isabelle into our room so we would know if she was okay (because she was in her carrier unbuckled) even though the monitor was on....well she woke up when she got into our room and heard Madeline awake. He owes me big for this.

[LucasMom]

How strange we are all having sleeping issues in the same week! L an D are usually excellent sleepers, from 9pm to 7 am. Last two days, Dylan awoke at three for a bottle, luckily went back to sleep afterward. Logan woke up at 4 this morning and stayed awake. I am pretty sure I have it narrowed down to teething, daddy being home last night and not feeding them enough dinner, or the peas I have been giving them the last two days upsetting their stomaches, as I heard they were a bit gassier than usual when they work up. I am going to try no peas tonight and see how that works.

I am exhausted. Today is the Jewish New Year, and while my family is not overly religious, we all get together to have dinner. It will not be the same without my brother and I feel the mood will be pretty somber. He is not doing terribly well. He had a psychotic episode the other night, and was saying some pretty crazy things at the hospital.

I'd love to respond to everyone, but I've been at work for two hours already and have a to do list a mile long. Just want you all to know I am thinking of you and missing you.

Hugs mamas, it will get better!!

Sherry-welcome back and happy 29th for the 11th time. 40 is the new 30! I'll get back to you on my older sibling suggestions. Lucas has been great, but not for lack of hardcore effort on our part.

:banghead: :grouphugg( my general feeling right now...)

Mindy

[AndreaR]

I am so tired of the nightly struggle to get Isabelle to sleep. How do I get her to sleep on her own? I'm happy to nurse her and rock her until she is very sleepy, but then she always wakes up when I put her in her crib. I try to let her cry, but she gets really upset. I don't know how long to let her cry. When I go in to soothe her (but not pick her up), she doesn't stop crying. She wants me to pick her up (and nurse her). It usually takes 1 - 3 hours to get her down for the night. The past few nights, it's taken longer than that. I don't know if it's because she's sick or not. I don't know if I have it in me tonight. We went out for the day today, and they were great, but we got stuck in traffic on the way home and Izzy screamed bloody murder for about 45 minutes. Now she's crying again. Is it bad for them to cry for a long time? I don't know how long to let her cry to see if she'll fall asleep. Somebody help me, please. I am so tired and I have a headache and i don't feel like I can do this again tonight. What am I doing wrong? Help!

[christel]

AndreaR - I agree w/ Lisa. It sounds like hungry baby. She's either going through a growth spurt or about to and she's trying to build your milk supply to keep up w/ her. You can cheat and give her some formula and pump that extra time to keep up w/ her. Then she sleeps and you get some quiet but you're not sacrificing your supply. I AM all about cheating:lol: especially when it comes to getting some sleep! The other thing you could do is declare a moritorium on everything but Izzy and give Maddie to DH and spend theweekend in bed w/ her and nurse on demand. Your supply should be built up after 2 days of that. Do you ever BF while you're lying down? I learned how to do that and can sleep (lightly) while the hungry hungry hippo eats.

Lisa - how's Brady?

:) Christel

[AndreaR]

thanks lisa & christel. she might be hungry, but i am inclined to think not, because i will put her on the boob and she falls asleep immediately. i feel like a giant pacifier. she won't take a paci and she won't take a bottle. i need to work on that. well maddie's having a rough day and DH is at his wit's end, so i need to go rescue him. later.........

[vthompson]

Hi Ladies! I feel like it has been FOREVER since I posted and I miss you guys! The babies have been TERRIBLE this week...both seem to be teething and have colds...Corey does not take well to not feeling well. Today, I actually started crying over something stupid, which I now realize, was more related to being run down and stressed out. Well, forget about posting...both babies are up and want to eat! UGGHHH!!!!

Valerie

p.s. Lisa, I will be thinking about you as OSU kicks your butts!! :sunshine:

[LucasMom]

Hugs, Mamas!

Love you,
Mindy

[christel]

I soooo want this weekend to be over! I picked up a freelance project Wed. afternoon and the deadline is Monday. I stayed up 'till 2AM Thurs. night after the girls went to bed to work and then Ruby woke up at 4AM. Then last night we drove about 40 min. south to the Moms of Multiples buy/sell (it was well worth it, keep reading :)) and didn't get home until 10pm. The girls were Supposed to sleep, but they hate hate hate their carseats and took every opportunity to tell us so. I'm exhausted :sleepy:and only half way done on my project and need to work until I get done tonight so I can do the review phase Sun. and Mon. AND...DH will be away from home all weekend at Nat'l Guard drill. Looks like I'll be bathing in coffee again :cuppa:

On a good note, the girls did sleep through the night and have been pleasant today. Here's hoping that's a trend for the rest of the weekend :xfingers:

Ok - the Buy/Sell was AMAZING! If y'all have these in your area... GO! For a grand total of $65 I got:
- an EZ 2 Nurse twin pillow (already used it and LOVE it)
-another Boppy for tummy time
-a crib sheet & 3 Pottery Barn quilted crib savers
-a Tiny Love pop up baby gym w/ toys
-a crib mirror
-kick toy that straps to the crib that plays 4 different things (Ruby :throb: it)
-a baby gate, corner protectors, outlet covers, cabinet & door latches, toilet lid latch
-2 long sleeve & long pant pink/white/green striped jumper outfits
-32oz of powdered Enfamil Lipil
:clap: :yippee: :bouncing:
And there were tons of clothes, but I didn't have the energy to look through all of them and make decisions at that point, so I said farewell.

I so love shopping and getting good deals :D

[JERSEYGEMINI]

Hi All. I have been reading your threads for the past two weeks and have been so comforted to find individuals experiencing the same things as me! I have boy/girl twins born June 26 (Isabella and Mason) and a four year old named Max. It has been a crazy summer!! I have had lots of help from family, but now they are GONE and I am on my own during the days! I am lucky that my husband comes home and cooks dinner most nights, though! I am a speech-language therapist, but I am taking a leave of absence this year to take care of our brood. I can't believe it, but I'm missing work! It has been so hard and I feel like pulling my hair out most days. Mason has had colic which is finally starting to diminish. Both have problems with reflux. Their smiles do seem to make most of the bad melt away though...

Sherry- I have been exclusively breastfeeding up until last week, but like you, have started using some formula...our pediatrician suggested that I start giving an additional two ounces of formula after feeds in the evenings when my milk seems to "run out". She said that women can make enough milk for twins under perfect conditions- great nutrition, hydration, sleep and low stress. I definitely don't fit this category, and I'm feeling guiltly for not producing enough. The formula has definitely helped our 13 pound son sleep longer at night. He now goes four or five hours instead of two or three. Isabella is a trooper and sleeps six or seven hours now. A mom of 4 year old twins at my son's preschool suggested that I take an herb called "fennugreek" to increase milk supply. She said that it worked wonders for her- she BF her twins for 15 months! Has anyone ever used this herb??

Sherry and Felisha- we have had sibling woes as well. Our Max has received SOOO much attention this summer from family, friends and his dad, but he still feels terribily neglected by his mom! He has had strange behaviors such as hiding all of his red underwear, peeing on the side of the toilet, screaming when his food doesn't look quite right...he has slowly improved, though. I think only time has helped. I try to find 30 minutes for some one-on-one time with him every day, but this doesn't always happen, especially if my husband is out of town. When Max was born, my then 7 year old step daughter had a difficult time adjusting. Only time has helped with her as well...

Andrea- I had the same situation with putting my son to sleep at night. It would often take a couple hours and I would grow extremely frustrated at being a pacifier. He eventually became very found of pacifiers, relieving me of duty! This time, I wanted to do it differently. With our new son, who also has an extreme aversion to pacifiers and loves the breast, I have been following the "Baby Whisperer's" advice (sorry, I can't think of her real name). She suggests lying them down when they are droopy eyed, and only picking them up to comfort; as soon as the baby is comforted you lie them back down in the bed again. Then repeat as needed. She says that you may have to do this 30 times the first night, but every sleep time, you will need to comfort less and less, and it should only take three days to get your child to adjust. Personally, I think you have to pick up your child to comfort and lay him/her down again about 80 times the first night! It has worked for me with both the babies--just not as quickly as the Whisperer describes. They are both sleeping in their cribs well now. Sometimes I still need to go in and pat a tushy, but they usually go back to sleep.

Well, I need to figure out how to post pictures. I just wanted to go ahead and say "Hi" though, because I don't know when I'll have enough time to set that up! Wishing you all good nights...

[naturalmom]

Hi all! Sounds like everyone is having a rough week! I try to keep up with posts, but then I don't have time left to post.

Sherry! So good to hear from you! It looks like our old July board is defunct for good:(

Andrea-I feel your pain on nighttime. I have one easy one (Ava) and one challenging one (Jude) to get to sleep. I am breastfeeding too and Jude will be asleep while nursing, but as soon as I lay him down (in co-sleeper), he wakes up. The last couple of nights, patting his bottom for SEVERAL minutes has helped get him to sleep. Just when I think it isn't going to work, it finally does. (He doesn't take a bottle or paci either).

Welcome, Jennifer! My boy/girl gwins were born June 13th. I am not here nearly as often as most of the others, but I try to pop in occasionally. Nice to see another BF mom:) oh, and on fenugreek-many people have great luck with it. It didn't seem to help me much though.

Christel-great deals! I like my EZ2nurse pillow too.

Valerie-sorry your babies are not feeling well! Mine have a cold this week too.

Lisa-great weights! Glad nights are better for ya. How is Brady?

Felisha-hugs-on your week, and that Hawaii trip sounds heavenly.

I finally decided this week that Jude has silent reflux, so we started meds, sadly. He doesn't spit up at all, but has other symptoms. He is so uncomfortable sometimes. I also think that certain things in my diet affect him, so I have been cutting things out (no coffee is seriously breaking my heart). Hopefully this will all help him, poor guy.

Rolling over-they can go from back to front easily but not front to back.

Solids-none before 6 mo for us.

Sleep-what is that????? My husband is out of town this weekend, so it has been even harder as he helps sooooo much normally at night by handing babies to me etc....

Weights-Jude is just over 12 lbs and Ava is not quite 10 lbs-they are 3 mo. She is just a petite thing and always will be, I think. She also sleeps longer at night-go figure.

Period-none here. I didn't get mine back with Lily until 8 mo pp. I am hoping for longer this time since I am BF two. DH got a vasectomy last mo, so it can stay away forever as far as I am concerned!

Well, gotta run. I can't believe all of my babies are in bed sleeping right now. It feels so weird. I had better do some laundry or wipe a counter or something!

Melinda

[sgarrett]

Andrea,

We went through this for a few weeks with both of Isabelle and Aiden, still happens every once in a while. The doc says it is a slight case of colic. Sometimes taking them for a drive helped, sorry you are going through this. I thought I was going to go nuts too. The doc also says sometimes it helps to let them cry for a good 30 -40 min. It helps them to calm themselves, I never lasted longer than 15 to 20 min but it did actually work sometimes.

Good luck!

[AndreaR]

Jennifer - Congratulations on your twins, and welcome to the board. We're happy to have you. Thanks for the "Baby Whisperer" advice. I think I'll try it. Although it sounds exhausting, and I'm not sure if I'm up for it tonight. I tried fenugreek tea and supplements to help my supply. It seemed to work a little for me. I bought both of them at Whole Foods. I"m not sure if you have one near you.

Melinda - nice to hear from you again! Sorry to hear about Jude's reflux. What are his symptoms, if he's not spitting up. GOD BLESS YOU for giving up coffee. I am still only doing 1/2 caf, but I live for that little bit of caffeine every morning.

Staci - I'm willing to let her cry for a while, but I'm not sure how long I can take it. I thought maybe she was too young for it, but I guess not.

DH and I had plans to go out to dinner last night. My sister and my niece came over around 7, and the plan was that the girls would be down for the night or close to it by then. 9:15 and I'm still trying to get Isabelle to sleep. I was so disappointed, I started crying. She was staring at me all concerned. I finally got her down at around 9:30, so instead of a nice dinner, we just went to a local place and sat at the bar. I did have a "big girl" drink - a peach mango martini. It was very delish. Until then, I'd only been drinking a beer or a glass of wine once in a while. I figured one vodka drink wasn't going to kill Isabelle - maybe it would even knock her out! When we got home (a little over an hour later), Izzy was awake again. My sister was rocking her in their room. Ugh. From there on the night got worse. But we had a really nice day today, and I got a lot done. Isabelle is alseep right now, and I'm crossing my fingers that it's for the night. Maddie is sleeping, too. She isn't quite as difficult, but she does insist on sleeping on DH for most of the night. He puts up with it, so I let it go.

Lisa - glad to hear that Brady is better. Did you ahve to take him to the doctor? It's so cute that they have figured out the aquarium crib toy. We got them as a gift, but neither of them seems to work very well. I think we got a bad batch.

Well, I made a lovely dinner (a first since the girlies arrived), and Maddie is asleep on DH so it looks like I'll be eating alone. It kind of pisses me off that he won't put her down. I think she'll be fine, but he doesn't agree. Oh well.

Hope you all had a nice weekend.

AndreaR

ps. Mindy - great pics. I love the little jeans on the boys.

OH.....pps..... The other day I had to go w/ my parents to a meeting with their financial planner, so DH & the girls came with me, and they walked around while we were in the meeting. The office was right next to the mall. When they came back, DH had two HUGE bags. One from BabyGap and one from Old Navy. He cracks me up. He got great stuff, too!

[Jillmami]

Well, I am back momentarily after a long absence. It's been pretty rough here although I know from glancing at past posts that many of you have your difficulties as well. My mother passed away after a rough battle with melanoma. She struggled for 6 days before she would finally let herself go. It was pretty difficult to watch and obviously will be hard to deal with as the babies acheive each milestone. Not to mention that she was in the hospital or a long term care facility since they've been home.

But, we are chugging along. The babies are now 9 1/2 and 12 1/2 pounds. (Big change from 1.12 and 2.3!) We have Noah on barley since our ped said not to use rice since it can cause constipation. They are so neat to watch as their personalities are developing.

Oh, we have the drooling, spitting/blowing bubbles, and chewing/sucking on hands big time! Let the teething begin.

Well, I have a lot to deal with re: my mom's estate since I'm the only one left. Not sure how often I'll get back on but wanted to say a quick hello and see how your little ones are growing!

Take care and keep those babies growing!

[JERSEYGEMINI]

Thanks for the warm welcomes. I wanted to share an OTC aid for reflux. My pediatrician approved this, too- 2-4 ml of Mylanta Supreme (make sure it is the supreme so that it has magnesium instead of aluminum). This has been a quick fix for both of mine-it doesn't do much for gas pains, but when they truly are experiencing reflux, they stop crying IMMEDIATELY after I give them the mylanta. Isa and Mason have some days that are worse than others so I never wanted to put them on any prescription meds... The pediatrician said I could give them Mylanta 2 or three times per day. You could ask your doctor about this, Melinda, if you are reluctant to turn to the more heavy duty meds.

Andrea- Sorry to hear about another bad night. It is so frustrating and my shoulders tense up just thinking about those nights with Max.. as for my "Baby Whisperer" advice, I was thinking that it would be easier to try that method for naps first before moving on to the night. I think that you (or your husband) could use it with Maddie as well to get her off your husband's chest (if you really want to!).

BOTH of my babies have decided that they HATE their bottles now that I am trying to use them more often to supplement my nursing at night. Aghh. I am going to buy some fennugreek tomorrow to see if I can't just make some more milk. We have a Whole Food and a GNC around the corner. They spit up so much of the formula, too.

I have a question for the breastfeeding moms- are you feeding the kids together or in tandem? I can't manage to feed them at the same time any longer as my son weighs down the EZ2 nurse pillow so much more than my daughter, and he keeps rolling off. They also can now push their feet against the couch which pulls on my nipples:crazy: However, nursing them separately takes up SOOO much time. Has anyone found any good tricks for juggling this?

Christel- those are some great deals! I am going to look up the Mothers of Multiples in my area.

Good night!

[mmzill]

Jill - it's great to hear from you!!! So glad your little ones are doing well, but sorry about your mom.

Welcome new momies! All are welcome.

I would post more, but it's after midnight. So tired! Love you all!
~Monica

[TMoT]

Hi Gang!

Jill, so sorry to hear about your mommy. :'-( I am thinking about you and praying for your strength now, for the burden to be lightened at least sometimes by your beautiful little ones, and for the emptiness not to last too long. How sad. :'-((( LOTS of (((hugs))). And, btw, they are beautiful!!! "Creamy brown" -- like my nephew used to say about himself...! ;-)

Melinda, so nice to see you here! Too bad about the July board. Geez. I just couldn't keep up with either one. Boo hoo.

Jennifer, WELCOME and thanks for sharing about your Max too. :-( Since "my" Max is seven, this has taken on some serious emotional/intellectual facets which I hope I'll be able to handle. Hope you, me and Felisha (thanks for sharing too, F!) -- AND our little ones! -- will manage. Can't wait to hear Mindy's insight..... :-*

Andrea, I wrote you a HUGE post, then lost it! :-((( Think what Jennifer wrote is cool. I saw a midwife last week who also said a couple interesting things:

1. Babies can cry. It's a good thing. Sometimes (as we've noticed) they need to do it to use up energy/let off stress (esp when they're "overstimulated," as you've observed). Babies/children/people who can't cry are in big emotional trouble. So don't let the fact that your baby cries upset you. (I used to sometimes let Artemis cry a bit, swaddle her in "the Amazing Miracle Blanket" LOL, then put her on the breast. She would fall asleep almost immediately. In retrospect, though, now that she's getting formula at night, this hasn't been necessary. And she's a MUCH happier baby. Hmmm.)

2. Midwife also said -- all else (burps, gas, hunger) being "equal"/attended to -- no baby ever suffered for crying for 10 minutes straight. Maybe try this with what Jennifer wrote: Put Izzy in the crib, leave the room, and just let her cry for TEN minutes if you have to. Watch the clock. Do it again and again until she is calm/at sleep. One thing more though: Midwife suggested we try to start implementing the desired "nighttime routine" _during the day_ (eg. with naps), just to make it less stressful on all of us. Maybe the "baby whisperer"'s advice would work better if we started it when we are all a little better equipped (rested?! etc.) = in the daytime, too?? An idea... (Now I see that Jennifer DID write about this too! Silly!)

And, btw, bad news is that bf-ed babies tend to take longer to sleep through the night, I read. The milk is just not as heavy as formula, so they wake more often. They're also used to sleeping with Mommy and other "different" night-time routines (i.e. falling asleep at the breast). So, figuring out a good system for putting them to bed AWAKE is very important, also according to my midwife....

...I've found that the formula thing works great with Artemis too. I'd be a bit leery of starting it with only ONE baby on the breast, because it would have such a significant impact on supply, imho, though... I also don't know if I would supplement each feeding, for the same reason (Jennifer??), but that stuff about evening feedings being very hard is TRUE. Babies can get enough milk, but they really have to work long and hard, and it's tiring for all of us.

...I used fennel tea for a while there with some pretty solid success though. Site I saw recommended using it in conjunction with something else (I'll put the link below)... I suspected that it gave us all gas (!), however, so I gave it up. (Funny, but the gas still hasn't gone away...?!?! :cool: )

In the meantime, even though I'm giving Artemis a bottle or two at night, I find that I'm nursing Darius the whole time otherwise. I figure he's going through a growth spurt now, too, and I'm glad I'm not having to handle BOTH of them at this point!!!!! Sure envy that frozen milk stash Monica has...! ;-)

A, you've been nursing Izzy all this time, so I don't want to make any obvious suggestions, but one last thing: You can still double-check her latch... Darius is still sloppy sometimes, so I have to be vigilant with him. In case you haven't seen it yet, here's a GREAT b/f site to check out for info on latching and all kinds of other stuff (small movies and everything): http://www.thebirthden.com/Newman.html

Oh. "Silent Reflux" (Melinda): Andrea, my midwife also mentioned this too -- with regard to fussy babies. She said if a baby seems to prefer being upright (eg. falling asleep sitting up/being held), s/he might have reflux which isn't being vomited out (sorry tmi), but which is still unpleasant for him/her. In that case, you can start to remedy the situation by raising their bed mattress with a phonebook or something so they can keep their heads up when they sleep (necessary when they're swaddled anyway).... Think both of my little ones have a bit of this. I tend to alternate head-raised, on back/swaddled sleep with "free" tummy sleep for both of the babes, and it seems to work....

Melinda/All: I had pre-existing reflux myself and took Gaviscon during pg. Suppose this is also safe for babies/little ones, but that's a good tip from Jennifer about checking the Aluminum vs. Magnesium (might also want to double-check with your doc).... Btw, magnesium _does_ help with tummy cramps too -- and constipation. Was something my doc suggested: find a bottled water high in magnesium (=hepar in Europe) and use it to mix babies' formula. OR just drink the bottled water on a regular basis if you're bf.....

Well, crying baby. Gotta run. Big kiss to all!!!
xox

PS Babies' first over-night at their grandparents went FANTASTIC!!!! Only Mommy suffered with over-expanding boobs! :eek: Event dh and I went to wasn't all it was cracked up to be (plus a two-hour drive to Holland in both directions), but the "night out" for Mom and Dad was really worth it!!! :-) Coming home to an empty house -- NO CHILDREN AT ALL (Boys at their dad's) -- at 4am was VERY creepy though.... Wow. To be continued... ;-)

PPS Celebrity look-alikes (Mindy): Dh and I decided that Darius looks like Jack Nicholson and Artemis looks like Angelina Jolie...!! ;-) LOL Lucky girl -- takes after her dad (of course)! ;-) xox

[AndreaR]

sherry - thank you!! will post more when i have more time and two hands...

[TMoT]

Tandem vs. one-on-one b/f: Jennifer, i usually mix feedings. Sometimes (i.e. when we come home from somewhere and both babies are screaming to be fed), I feed them together -- on the EZ2 pillow, FIGHTING WITH THEM THE WHOLE TIME TO KEEP THEIR FEET FROM PUSHING OFF THE COUCH!! ;-) Otherwise, I tend to feed them separately (like Monica, I think). I like it more that way, but it IS very time-consuming. One other thing: I sometimes tandem feed in bed, by laying on my side facing one baby at one breast, and letting the other hang over me, with a small pillow supporting them under their knees, and having them kneel at my other breast. Do you get the picture? One baby laying at one breast, the other "behind" me, kneeling/leaning over me and nursing (like at a bar! lol) on the other breast. ...Funny, but it works. ;-)

Btw, I had actually ordered the _inflatable_ EZ2Nurse pillow, which is apparently better for when babies get bigger (=no rolling). But THEY SENT ME THE WRONG ONE! And, since I live in Belgium (and it was #$% just to get what I finally have!!!), I'm going to stick with the "normal" EZ2.... Anyway, you might have more options than me, so maybe this is something to look into????

Either way, good luck!!! :-)

[vthompson]

I don't have time to post much, but I wanted to say how sorry I am, Jill to hear about your mom. I can't imagine how hard this is to deal with. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. BTW, the babies are really beautiful! I love the cheeks!! I can't get over how girly your daughter is and how much your son looks like a boy. Too cute!!

Welcome to the new moms!! We are always glad to get new comers!!

Sherry - I couldn't believe when I logged on and saw that you had a few posts! It seems like old times!! :sunshine:

Lisa - How are the babies doing after their shots? I hope better!!

Someone asked about the excersaucer and hips...someone told me that it was bad on the babies' hips...I looked it up on the Internet and I found nothing. We have 2 and we just put one together. The babies seem to be a little too wobbly still, but they seem to enjoy it. We will use them...

Reflux - I am now starting to wonder if Corey has reflux and that is why he hates laying flat. I had an RX for zantac for him but it did not seem to be doing anything so we stopped giving it to him. Maybe I should start again??? What do you ladies think? He just does not seem to have any signs like Kayley does. If I forget to give her a dose, she spits up like crazy. Corey does not really spit up much so I figured he was misdiagnosed.

Well, Kayley is laying next to me and angrily kicking the computer as I type so I better go...Corey is napping, if only Kayley would nap, too, then mommy could lay down for a little bit!!

Valerie

[sgarrett]

Jill: I am so sorry about your mom, my prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.

Sherry: Welcome back! We have missed you!

Jersey Gemini: Welcome! I BF but only one at a time. I rarely BF my little girl, she has a lot of trouble latching correctly so I usually give her pumped milk. We also supplement with formula. Since it is so much trouble getting her to latch I have never attempted to tandem feed. To post pics click on the slide icon from someone's elses pics and it will take you through it.

Christel: What is a buy/sell and how do find out about them? You got some great deals!

Babies did pretty good on the trip to Atl. It is about a 4 1/2 hour ride, we left at their bed time and stopped once for a feeding. They slept on a pallet in the hotel. Of course they ended up in bed with us b4 the night was over.

Rolling over: Aiden and Isabelle were born at 36 weeks 6 days on June 13th and are not making any attempt to roll over. According to all the books this should happen this month, should I be worried? Natural Mom our babes have the same birthday are your little ones rolling over? Any one else?

Breast pumps: We have been using the rental from the hospital but it is not very portable. When I go into the office I am already lugging around my laptop and purse. The rental is up 10/13 and I want to buy a smaller one. What is everyone else using? Any reccomendations?

Felisha: I hope you got my message on your cell. Give me a call when you have a chance.

Take Care,

Staci