Anyone else due in June "06 [Archive] - Page 15

sgarrett

10-19-2006, 10:19 AM

Ok sorry about the 200 posts! I was determined to get that Halloween pic in there. Babies had their doc appt yesterday, Isabelle was pretty cranky at bedtime last night but seems OK now. Aiden was OK last night and is fussy today! Poor babies. I hate shot day, they were so smiley and happy and then WHAM they get their shots. At the doc office it was me, their nanny and my DH. The babies already have a entourage! Isabelle grew 3.8"! The nurse came back to retake the measurement b/c she could not beleive she has grown so much! She weighs 15lb 3 oz and is 25.75" tall. Aiden is 13lb 9 oz and 25.5" tall.

Sleeping: Doc's advice seems pretty consistent with other's peds. He said to put them in their own room ASAP, that they can smell and hear us and it wakes them up. He said to let them cry a good 30 min before going in. (He actually said an hour was not going to hurt them, but there is no way!) He said it is better in the long run to create these sleepings habits now and that their tummy's should be able to handle going all night without a feeding. Well, he said Aiden still may need one feeding, his sister is kicking his butt in the weight department! I do not know if I can do this, we certainly are not putting them in their own room until they are over the shot trauma. It would be nice to have my bedroom back, right now it has a pack n play, a co sleeper, a swing and a changing table in it! I might try this weekend to begin the "transition". Any pointers from mommies who have already done this?

XOXO
Staci

MississippiMama

10-19-2006, 01:16 PM

Hi all! Haven't had time to post in several days - but I have been reading everyone else's post. I think I finally got my slide working...I will keep my fingers crossed!

Everything has been going well around my house. Dylan and Marley have been sleeping through the night (8pm - 6am) occasionally. Marley almost always sleeps through and Dylan wakes anywhere from 2am-5am for a bottle. I sleep in the nursery in a twin bed and have been bad to jump up as soon as I hear him start to wake - but the past 2 or 3 nights I've waited to see if he'll fall back asleep. Last night he woke around 3am and I went ahead and started heating a bottle. I got back in the bed and woke up at 6am! He'd fallen back asleep which was great...but I had to pour the bottle out. I HATE wasting formula!!!

Ok - that is all for now. I hope my slide works. Kari

mmzill

10-19-2006, 08:48 PM

Valerie, I hope I didn't hurt your feelings when I said what I did about the brain comment. I re-read what I posted and thought that it might not have come across as the joke I meant it to. Anyways, I just wanted to apologize in the event that it hurt your or anyone else's feelings.

I guess everyone has been busy taking care of little ones, there hasn't been much activity on here. Where is EVERYONE??????? Hope all is well with you all! I miss you all!

Kari, glad your slide is working. It's great to see your pics, and Staci love the new pics on your slide too. Steph, I hope you had success in getting fall pics! I love fall so much!

Kari, in response to what your pedi said about sleeping. I had my dd out of our room at 8 wks, but I would not let her cry when she woke up. I would go in there and feed her, but once she realized that I was giving her milk (breastfeeding) I could not go in there and hold her and put her down without her screeming, she knew that I had food and associated me with food. It wasn't until about 2 months after she was weaned (1yr) that I was able to quit giving her a bottle at night, and she started sleeping through the night.
The reason the boys are still in our room is because it is easier for me to get more sleep with them in there, if I can just pull them into my bed I don't have to get up or hardly wake up. (actually Anthony is now sleeping in the crib in their room he wakes up around 4 or 5 then eats and is back asleep until 7 or so, but Nathan still wakes up alot at night so I haven't moved him out yet.)
I do not like to let my kids cry for more than 10 min. I can't stand it, so I don't let them cry for an extended period of time. Even if it won't "hurt" them. I just can't do it. :sunshine:

Steph and Danielle, so glad that you had a good time! That is great. It's so fun to meet with other moms. Unfortunately Valerie and Lisa and I had to cancel this week, but we will get together soon!!!

JacobsMom

10-20-2006, 12:42 AM

Hi Everyone,

I had so much fun tonight. I had my first Mom's Night Out and FINALLY got to go to a Mothers of Multiples meeting. It was awesome!! They have about 140 members right now, and had about 50 there tonight. I met a lot of neat people. There are a huge range of women from still pregnant to moms of adult twins. We had one lady there tonight expecting QUADS! They meet once a month, but there are also "playgroups" that get together for additional "playdates". David and Tate were invited to a Halloween Costume party on Saturday for the Newborn to Crawlers group. They are going as Pea Pods. I know it's really cliche, but they were cheap ($2.50 each)! My sister got them at Wal-mart last year the day I found out I was having twins.

I also found out about another MOM group having their Fall Buy/Sell event on Sat morning, so the twins and I will be doing our own thing while Jacob and Daddy go to the Air Show. This will almost make up for me not getting to go to Mississippi for the Hot Air Balloon Races. I was pretty bummed about that, but for some reason nobody wants me to make the 7 hour drive to Natchez alone with the twins. Go figure. LOL!!

There was a speaker at the meeting tonight, an optometrist, who told us about a FREE program called InfantSEE. I thought I would let everyone know about it. She said that multiples, especially preemies are at higher risk of certain eye disorders. It is offerred to anyone FREE OF CHARGE regardless of income. http://www.infantsee.org/

This is from their website:
The American Optometric Association encourages parents to include a trip to the optometrist in the list of well-baby check-ups. Assessments at six to twelve months of age can determine healthy development of vision. Early detection of eye conditions is the best way to ensure your child has healthy vision for successful development—now and in the future.

InfantSEE™ is a public health program designed to ensure that eye and vision care becomes an integral part of infant wellness care to improve a child's quality of life. Under this program, which will be available in Summer 2005, our member optometrists will provide a comprehensive infant eye assessment within the first year of life as a no cost public health service.

The website has a link to search for a participating doctor in your area. The exam is offerred once per child and is done between 6 and 12 months.

Off to bed now. JC Penney finally emailed me the pics from our last sitting. I will attempt to make a slide again this weekend if I have time. Especially if I get some cute Costume pics.

vthompson

10-20-2006, 07:52 AM

Just wanted to check in real quick...I love the new fall pics!

Monica - Do not even think twice about it! I knew you were joking! I figured they must have sucked out all my brains during the time I b/f and I have not been able to grow any back (lol).

Flat spots - When are these supposed to go away? Well, I guess they don't disappear, but even out...anyone know?

Crying it out - My ped told me the same thing...we have decided against it right now. Granted, they do cry it out to fall asleep...but I usually time it and I listen to the "type" of cry coming out of the room. Like Monica, 10 minutes is more then enough for me to handle! From what I read, anything over 6 hours is considered sleeping through the night...I try to keep that in mind when they get up in the wee hours of the night!

Valerie

vthompson

10-20-2006, 07:54 AM

Jacobsmom - I forgot to tell you that Kayley's middle name is also Anne...spelled different then your niece's, but still coincidental that they would have the same first and middle name!

Valerie

christel

10-20-2006, 08:27 AM

Hi everyone,

I feel like we're finally back to normal after travelling last week. I have not gotten the girls out at all this week and I think we're the better for it.

Ruby has been kicking my butt this week. She's been so hard to put down for naps or bed from about 2pm on. She has this baby pteradactyl scream that makes my ears bleed. Dh and I finally clued in that she's still hungry. Growth spurt, I guess. So, I gave her all the bottles she wanted yesterday b/c she won't stay on the boob and keep trying when it gets harder to get something out. It was lots better yesterday and she slept easier which made her happier which made everyone happier.

So, on that note, I know my milk supply isn't going to catch up w/ her unless I keep putting her on or start pumping again. If I keep putting her on, there goes our routine. They'll be 6 months next Friday and that was my goal for BF. I'm really thinking seriously about dropping down to 2 sessions a day; first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I know when I finally wean them I'll probably have regrets and wish I did it longer, but I am also so ready to own my body again. I know it's selfish. Oh the guilt :)

Moving to the nursery - we did it only after the night sleeping w/out wake ups was well established. I really didn't want to run back and forth in the middle of the night.

Car seats - we're still using the Graco Snug Ride infant seats (and the snap n go stroller for most things). Did/does anyone use these and have you transitioned to convertible seats yet? What brand? I have the Baby Bargains book and they throw bargains to the wind and recommend the Britax seats above all else, at $250 a piece. Ouch! I don't know if we can get them unless I find a stellar deal on ebay.

Formula - anyone bought off ebay? I did and was happy w/ my purchase. I got five 13oz cans of Enfamil for a total of $40 (that includes shipping).

Coupons - I've got $5 Similac coupons. If you want them, pm me your address & I'll get them in the mail. Several expire mid Nov. and the rest are Dec. and Jan.

Grey's A - I missed the first 10 minutes last night and all of last weeks'. Did anything important happen?

:lovemytwins: Christel

swineland

10-20-2006, 08:38 AM

Experimenting with iphoto.....new pics on slide. I'm not nearly done with the fall photos, but I put one on of Evan in the pumpkin outfit....you can see where I'm trying to go with this. Having so much fun!! It's like Olan Mills in my living room!

Steph
(There will be photos of them together, but one was sleeping while the other one wasn't, so it's individual photos first!)

MississippiMama

10-20-2006, 09:00 AM

christel - I am a huge Grey's Anatomy fan, but thought that last night's episode was kind of slow paced. In my opinion, nothing worth noting really happened in the first 10 minutes.

I swore that these babies would sleep in their own bed and not in ours after we finally got our oldest out of our bed at 2 years old! A few nights of making the trek downstairs several times convinced me that it wouldn't be so bad to have them in our room. This is when my husband was able to help me with the night feedings. When he took a pt paper route job he wasn't able to help so I decided to move into the nursery. They sleep in their crib and I sleep in a twin bed in the room with them. I plan on staying in the room with them until they start sleeping through the night on a regular basis. I also plan on letting them share the crib until they start disturbing each other's sleep. Then I will probably use a pack and play as a second crib...is that bad? I really don't want to invest in another crib.

sgarrett

10-20-2006, 11:33 AM

Valerie: We asked the ped about the "flat spot" too, he said Aiden still has a big enough soft spot that it will go away. He said to try and keep him from laying flat on his back as much as possible and it will help.

Steph: What is iphoto? How did you get that black circle thingy on the fall pics?

MS Mama: Isabelle sleeps in a pack in play in our room now, I do not think it is bad! Let me know if you ever find out different.

Babies are STILL grouchy from their shots the 18th. Poor things, I hate knowing they are hurting! We had meltdown city last night, of course it started right as I sat down to eat!

I love all the fall pics too, if we are this pic crazy for Halloween just imagine what Christmas is going to be like!!!!

Take care,

Staci

vthompson

10-20-2006, 01:42 PM

Steph - Where did you get the leaves from? I looked at Wal Mart yesterday and I all I could find was leave garland. BTW, the boys look really cute!

MS Mama - I do not see any difference between the pack n play and the crib. The pack n plays are meant to sleep in.

Christel - We will probably use the infant carrier car seats until they are 1 years old. After that, we are begging family members for old car seats. I cannot believe how expensive they are.

So my digital camera is out for repair...I feel lost! I actually took a pic today with a 35mm...I guess when I get them developed I will have to order the CD with it.

The babies are having their first sleepover tomorrow night over my best friend's house. DH and I are going to a wedding. It is going to be weird coming home to an empty house! However, I am kind of excited at the same time. My mom is the only person who has watched them so far...I just hope everything goes well.

Well, since my twins do not want to nap today, they are up AGAIN after a long 30 minute nap! They are going to be so crabby later!

Valerie

vthompson

10-20-2006, 02:10 PM

I forgot to respond about buying formula on Ebay...we have done it twice and have been very happy...you can't beat the price!

christel

10-20-2006, 03:26 PM

Valerie - I got your pm. I'll put the coupons in the mail tomorrow :)

vthompson

10-20-2006, 05:06 PM

Christel - Thank you so much!

AndreaR

10-20-2006, 07:13 PM

Hi everyone -

Sorry I've been so bad about posting. I've actually been reading almost every day, but I always have a baby with me, so I'm not able to type.

I have so much to say, and not much energy, so I don't know how long this will be......

Car seats/Strollers - we are also still using Graco Snug Ride carriers and the double Snap n Go. We have recently started to use our double jogger (Baby Jogger brand), but it is SOOO big that it takes up all of the room in the back of our car (the new car that we bought because we didn't have enough room). UGH! It's a dream to push, and the girls seem to love being able to see more, but I don't know if I can lug it around everywhere we go. We also have a single Peg Perego Aria that a carrier will fit into, in case we want to take one baby by herself. When we are ready to move up to the next car seat, I'm not sure what we'll get. We also read the Baby Bargains book and are sort of planning on the Britax - unless they come up with something else by the time we're ready. The girls only weigh 11-12 pounds, but they are 24 inches long, so we might need to move out of the carriers sooner than I planned.

Pack n Play - TOTALLY fine to sleep in - like someone said, that's what they're for. My girls slept in it all the time until they were about 2 months old.

Steph - your new pictures are GREAT! You and Monica could go into business together!

Everyone's pics are great, actually. We really do have the cutest kids..... My cousin came over today and took some pictures of the girlies in their Halloween costumes. I'm actually sitting here checking my email, waiting for her to send them to me.

Valerie - good luck w/ the sleepover. You are going to have a GREAT TIME!!! Good for you.

We are supposed to go to a fancy benefit dinner next Saturday, but I don't know how we're going to do it. Isabelle is TOTALLY attached to me (literally via the boob). DH and I keep saying that we just have to bite the bullet and do it before it gets any worse, but I feel like a horrible person subjecting a family member to a hysterical baby, and I feel even WORSE about making Izzy hysterical. What do you all think? Is it too early to force her to do something she doesn't want to do? It would entail her having to drink a bottle (which she consistently refuses) and be without me for an evening. I know it won't kill her or anything, but I just feel bad.......... Would love any advice.

Staci - sorry to hear about the shots. Poor little things... and I love your new slide show.

Staci/Christel - I've been terrible about dieting/exercising. Some diet buddy I am.........

Naps - Isabelle has refused to sleep in her crib or even in my arms to take a nap. The only way to get her to sleep is to take her for a ride or a walk. I feel lazy / wimpy not confronting it, but I don't really know how. Again, do I just make her cry through it? I guess I should ask my pedi. She's been giving us lots of trouble at night, too, not wanting to sleep in the crib, but she does usually go down after a looooonnnnnng battle. I'm still not ready to let her cry for very long. And when I do get up the courage to let her cry for more than five minutes, she gets hysterical, and I can't take it. Madeline is pretty good about taking a nap, but most times we have to hold her/rock her until she falls asleep.

Schedules - are anyone's twins on the same schedule? How did you do it? My girls' needs seem to be so different that I don't know how I'll ever get them in sync.

Cereal - the girls started cereal last week (oatmeal). They love it!! We've been giving them just a little once a day to get them used to it, but I think we'll start them twice a day tomorrow. Maddie is a little lady, she eats very calmly and neatly. Isabelle is like Messy Marvin, spitting it out and then licking it off her face. I can't tell you how many pictures we've taken of them eating - and I still can't get enough of it.

Teething - it seems like the girls have started to teethe. They are drooling buckets (we go through about four bibs a day just for drool) and are keeping their fingers in their mouths constantly. I've tried offering teething rings and other soothing things, but they both seem to prefer their hands. Madeline puts BOTH hands in her mouth. Pedi says they can go on like this for months before the teeth actually arrive. I need to buy more bibs!

Our insurance company (Cigna - YUCK!) is refusing to pay for Maddie to get the RSV vaccine. The pedi has spent lots of time on this, and I was on the phone for about an hour trying to appeal, but they still refused. Our last hope is trying to get someone from DH's benefits dept involved, as they are the "customer" of Cigna. If we don't get her vaccinated, I feel like I need to keep her away from the general public for the entire winter. I'm so bummed out - I will definitely get depressed if I can't get out of this house.

We're taking Maddie to an Opthamologist next week, because she seems to have trouble keeping her eyes straight. Hopefully it's nothing major and just a development thing. Speaking of development, she's doing great with the PT thru Early Intervention.

Christel - don't feel too guilty about weaning - you've done a fantastic job and have nothing to feel guilty about. I totally know what you mean about wanting to have your own body again.

Grey's Anatomy - I watched bits and pieces of it (in between trying to get Isabelle to sleep). I thought it was okay, but after last week it was a little slow. Am I the only person in the world that DOESN'T like Derek?

Well, for someone who was too tired to post, looks like I did okay. Off to bed!

Happy weekend everyone!

xoxo
AndreaR

ps. Where is Sherry? and TERS!??

sgarrett

10-20-2006, 09:02 PM

OK tonight the babies were fussy, they were full had been bathed and had gotten lots of love so we decided to take the docs advice and let them cry some. The doc said "an hour would not hurt them and they would sleep better after" but I decided 15 min was going to be my max. I told him how Aiden got hysterical and he said that he would probaly cry like that for maybe 5 min 10 tops than stop. GUESS WHAT!! He cried for 6 min exactly (it seemed like an hour) wimpered a little bit and went to sleep. I could not beleive it. It is 10:00 now and he is still asleep. I have even gone in to check and make sure he is breathing! I cannot beleive it. It was so so hard to do, I was pacing back and forth in front of our bedroom door, but it worked! Next step will be their own room, I think we are going for that next weekend.

Good night Mommies!

Staci

swineland

10-21-2006, 03:24 AM

Staci, way to go on getting Aiden to sleep! Sometimes they need a few fussy moments before heading off to la-la land. To stop myself from interfering in the process, sometims I have to shut the door, turn off the monitor and go do something else for 5-10 mins. Nine times out of ten, when I come back in, they are asleep. Otherwise, I would have been standing next to the crib, hovering over them and wondering, should I pick him up?? What should I do.....

Is there some kind of growth spurt going on now?? E & B have both been getting up like crazy at night now. It's totally throwing me for a loop. And when they do get up, they are UP....like, it's playtime up. I see that twinkle in their eye and I'm thinking, ahhhh, crap. No matter how much they eat before bedtime (solids at 5:30 or so, 7 oz cereal bottle at 7:30), they still manage to wake up as early as 12:30!! That is not the trend we were experiencing several weeks ago, but as of late they are definitely regressing in the sleep category. Anyone else??

So last night I was walking past a wooden bench we have in the office and I slammed my ankle bone into it. At first I just thought, holy cow that hurt. Then I looked down and in seconds it had swelled to the size of a golf ball! I wrapped it in an ace bandage and would have put ice on it, but we were just about to leave to meet family for dinner and I didn't have time. Anyway, it hurts like he!!, the area is still swollen (though a little less so) and I"m sure there will be a nasty bruise. Never knew the ankle bone would hurt so badly. This has never happened to me before, which as completely uncoordinated as I am, is a huge surprise!

Well, Bailey is finally asleep as I type this, so off I go, too.

Hugs,
Steph

AndreaR

10-21-2006, 04:59 AM

steph - sorry to hear about your ankle! OUCH! hope it's better as the day progresses. sorry also to hear about the sleep schedule regression. as you can see from my previous post, i have absolutely no advice. :crazy: i was looking at your new slide this morning - your boys look EXACTLY alike to me. is it hard for you and your family to tell them apart? i can't remember what you said.

staci - congrats on the sleeping and letting aiden cry it out. it must have been hard for you, but it worked!

isabelle is just waking up, kind of "uh uh uh'ing" in her crib, but when i went in there, she was still pretty out of it. of course, if i go back to bed, she'd start crying for sure.

we're going to a halloween party today with the girls. i'm really looking forward to it. i think it will be the last public thing we do for the season :sigh:

LucasMom

10-21-2006, 08:08 AM

Hey Strangers!

I don't have much time here, so forgive me for not responding individually to everyone. JC is still working 80+ hours a week, and so most of the time my schedule is work, kids, prepare for work and kids for next day, repeat...
Steph-Sorry to hear about your ankle! How is it today? I love your new pics. L and D are going completely through a sleep regression. They were great for two months, and in the last week, Dylan has woken up every night between two and three and stays awake for 2 or more hours. Logan does it but falls asleep after 1-2 hours. It SUCKS!!! I spoke with my doctor and she warned me against the urge to feed them to get them calm, as this will lead tot hem again expecting the middle of the night feeding to start, so I am at a loss for what to do. I am hoping it's a phase and that is passes really soon, because Mommy needs a rest.

I have to say something. When people see me out and around with all three kids, or even just the twins, I commonly get asked or rather stated to "that must be so hard!", and I find myself saying, "not really, in the beginning it was hard, but now it's not that hard" with a smile. This past week, I've been thinking how it really is kind of hard. It made me think of course, of Felisha, who does it on her own , and how awesome she is. With DH working as much as he has been, 6 days and nights out of the week, it is me and the three boys from dawn until 1 or 2 am. He is literally out of the house 20 hours or so a day, and on Sundays, he is asleep. I am trying to make it all work, and live life normally, but I am struggling a bit, (ok alot). I am so thankful for the kids, because the three of them keep me going. This morning, JC left late (at 7:30 am, and he got home at 1 am last night!) and Luas ran to the door to give him a hug, and said "I love you dad, see you tomorrow" and then asked me if I was the babysitter. It broke my heart, because he sees his kids for only 1 day a week and the rest of the week they are asleep. Lucas actually asked me the other day why Daddy moved out! Ahhhh...I am just whining here. Things are always easier if there is some kind of light at the end of the tunnel, and there really is not one here. I have been told that this is his job, and it's not going to change, so I guess I better get used to it. I just feel bad for the boys. Plus I miss having any type of adult interaction.

Blah, blah, blah, Mindy...

I bought the Jumperoo this week and the boys love it!! I love fall and I am so excited for true fall weather! Later when everyone is asleep, I will respond to all. Hope everyone is well!

Hugs,
Mindy

sgarrett

10-21-2006, 08:42 AM

Oh Mindy you are not whining. I know that must be soo hard. Your DH is a chef right? When reading your post I felt kinda bitchy b/c I give my DH a hard time if he works late to many nights in a row. One baby is hard alone, two is an amazing feat. Any chance for a family vacation in the near future? It sounds like you and DH really need time together. My heart goes to you,:throb: I really wish we were all closer.

Steph: Sorry about your ankle, are you sure it is not broken? I ask b/c I broke my ankle once and did not even know it! I waited two days before going to the doc to get an Xray. I broke when I fell on a dance floor in a night club (god that seems like another lifetime ago!) it was so emabarrasing. I used to make up a different story every time somone asked me how I did it! Sorry about the sleep regression, must be a growth spurt. My doc gave the same advice about feeding them, he said let them cry some 1st and if they do not go back to sleep then you can feed them.

XOXO
Staci

Babies slept much better last night, I gotta think it was b/c I actually let me them cry some and it tired them out.

sgarrett

10-21-2006, 09:18 AM

OK is it just me or do cartoons totally suck now or what? I put cartoons on for the first time today hoping it would entertain them so I can clean a little. My DH's twin and his wife and children are coming over with my MIL. What happened to Bugs, Tom and Jerry, Foghorn Leghorn, Marvin the Martian and the Roadrunner? Do any of ya'll remember George of the Jungle and Super Chicken? I used to love Super Chicken! That was entertainment, this new stuff bites!

Staci

babiesmk4

10-22-2006, 02:18 AM

Ladies it has been a very long time since I have posted, but will read to see how you are all doing. I have a 5 yo, 3 yo and 4 month old b/g twins (6/23/06) I take my five yo to school every morning by 8:50, my 3 yo does preschool every Monday 12:15-2:30 which I bring and pick up. Meghan is coliky on Previcid, but still cries a good deal and Caleb is my laid back one. How do you do it? I feel like I cannot give all of them what they need, when they need it. Some days I can be all right and think that I am getting it. Other days I just want to cry and have to do it again the next day and the next.... Is this normal. I do not have anybody that has twins. Great friends that have 3 children, but not with twins. So is this normal, am I not adjusting? HELP!!

vthompson

10-22-2006, 01:39 PM

babiesmk4 - I think you are completely normal! Some days I feel like a pro at all this and others, I feel like a complete failure.

Mindy - I have been thinking so much about you since we haven't heard from you...I am so sorry for everything going on right now. I cannot imagine being in your situation. There is no way he can cut his hours? How does DH feel about everything? Is he bummed out that he is missing so much? It just does not seem fair for anyone to work that much. Is there any family you can ask to come over in the evenings and help out? BTW, you are not whining!

Steph - We just went through a growth spurt a couple week ago...it seemed like they ate constantly! Hang in there! How is your ankle doing? I hope better.

Staci - That is great that they are sleeping better!

AndreaR - That is terrible about the insurance company. I would hate to think of you stuck in the house all winter. Hopefully, DH's company can change their minds.

Well, DH had a WONDERFUL time last night! We had lots of adult drinks and came home and did some adult things (lol). I missed the babies, but WOW, was a night out needed. Corey slept through the night and Kayley, who has always been a better sleeper at night, got up every 2-3 hours! I feel bad for my friend....I guess Kayley missed her mommy and daddy!!

Ters, Sherry, Lisa...where are you?

Talk to everyone later!

Valerie

vthompson

10-22-2006, 05:14 PM

Daniele - Are you back from your trip yet? I can't wait to hear all about it. I hope you and DH had fun!

Valerie

mmzill

10-22-2006, 09:08 PM

Hey everyone~

I hope that you have had a nice weekend. Ours was ok, although today was DH's b-day, and he had to work most of the day....oh well.

Valerie - so glad you had a nice time away. It's so important to take time for each other! About fall leaves- I got mine from Crafts 2000. Hope your camera gets fixed soon.

Mindy - I'm really worried about you! I know I hate it when my dh is gone, but your situation seems much harder, at least I know that Victor will be home the next day or whatever, but you have no end in sight! I'm so sorry. I wish you had someone there that could help you out. I'm sure it's hard on your DH to not see your DS much also. I'm just really worried about you and thinking of you lots!!!

Steph, hope your ankle gets better! We should go into business together! Taking pics of babies is so much fun!!!!!!

Babiesmake4 - I think what you are going through is very normal.....but make sure you are taking some time for yourself. Postpartum Depression is very VERY common in mommies of twins. (not saying that's what wrong) I know I have struggled with it some and getting someone here to help me just a couple hrs a week seems to help alot.

Staci - I think the cartoons suck now too!!!! What heppened to the good old days??

Well, I'm off to bed. I hope you all have wonderful dreams!!!!

Mary Hayes

10-22-2006, 09:30 PM

can anyone help me???? trying to figure out the abbreviations....what does the "d" stand for in dh. I got the h figured out.

In the above message, the note to Mindy was about her spouse not being there....is he military or equalivant? Mine is gone overseas for 6 months. Maybe we can chat about how much it stinks.

Mary Hayes

10-22-2006, 09:44 PM

you can watch Grey's online for free at ABC.com!!! Other shows as well, including desp housewives and a few others....

mmzill

10-23-2006, 07:04 AM

Well, the H is for husband.......the D generally stands for Dear, but there are a number of occasions where a few other adjectives are quite appropriate.:funny:

AndreaR

10-23-2006, 09:23 AM

Mindy - I'm sorry that DH's schedule is so demanding - it's just not fair, is it? I have the same question as Valerie, how does he feel about it? I think it's especially hard for you because you are working outside the house all day, too, and then you are on your own at night. Wish I had some answers for you. It's a tough business you guys are in. That's was my major in college (hotel restaurant mgt), and all I learned was that is was NOT what I wanted to do for a living. Your marriage is obviously very strong - you guys have weathered some tough times in the past - so you will get through it. I know that doesn't help you right now. Just know we're thinking of you.....
xoxoxoxo
AndreaR

mmzill

10-23-2006, 01:17 PM

It has been snowing here today. I couldn't believe it. I want fall to stick around a little longer. Valerie, are you getting lots of snow up there? I thought you might be.

Hope everyone is having a good day. Enjoy those babies!

vthompson

10-23-2006, 02:39 PM

Monica - I have seen some drifting flakes, but nothing has been sticking...however, it is COLD and rainy...very rainy! I HATE SNOW!! I really am not ready for it yet. YUCK!

Valerie

mmzill

10-23-2006, 02:45 PM

Val - I am not ready for winter yet either! Especially this year, I"m afraid I'm going to be so isolated and not be able to get out. But I'm sure it's worse where you are.

swineland

10-23-2006, 02:47 PM

Hello hello!

Whew......it's been a hectic yet fun week/weekend. I'm finally back to my routine and it's just me and the boys. My aunt was in town all week for a convention and my mom was here as well for her usual visit with the grandbabies. Since my aunt was also in town, my dad and other aunt/uncle drove up and we all had a chance to be together. We went swimming (took the boys for the first time!), ate a lot, drank too much wine and had lots of laughs. A much needed social time for me :)

Monica, snow?? Wow....it's finally feeling good down here. Today it's 78 or so and tomorrow is supposed to be a high of 68!! I can't believe it. DH joked that he might wear his leather jacket to work tomorrow. haha.

Staci, to answer your question from before, iPhoto is the application/software that we use to import/modify/catalog all of our photos. It's a mac application.....like iTunes. We aren't a "windows" family. :)

My ankle is much better, thank you for all your worries! It just got whacked pretty bad, but is doing fine now.

I'm thinking about you Mindy......call me soon.

Daniele, did you make it back okay?? Were L&N so happy to see you?? How was your spa day??

Something I wish I would have asked for at the baby showers: BATTERIES
This topic has never come up on here, but good lord am I tired of buying batteries for the swings, jumperoo, einstein. I swear we BURN through them......I even buy them in bulk at BJs but they still disappear quickly. I do have AA/AAA rechargable, but of course they are never charged when I need them. Is it SO hard to make a swing with a power cord? Strangulation hazard, I'm sure.

Well, I have to run quicker than I thought...I'll post more soon.
Oh, and here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wineland
Lots of new photos, including more fall/halloween pics :)

Hugs,
Steph

vthompson

10-23-2006, 05:59 PM

Monica - I feel you...I will not be going out much in the bad weather...I am scared I am going to loose my mind!

Steph - I LOVE the new pics...those little baby swim trunks are adorable. I saw that you have a jumperoo...how many pounds does it go up to? I am trying to decide whether to buy one and get rid of one of our exersaucers. I just want to make sure that the babies will be able to use it as long as the exersaucer.

Rolling over - I know we have talked about this before, but not recently...my twins are still not rolling over...they roll to their side, but they do not make it over....should I be worried? They will be 5 months on the 27th of this month.

Breast tenderness - My boobs have been very tender...I am supposed to get my period next week and I am on the pill. I had the tenderness when I first started taking it and many of you ladies eased my fears and said that it was normal when you start taking the pill. Should it still be happening? This is my 4th month on it? Or, are could I be pg? I can't believe I even wrote that! :paranoid: (this icon means paranoid!)

When I was looking for an icon, I found this one...it means "love my twins". How cute!! :lovemytwins:

Valerie

AndreaR

10-24-2006, 07:54 AM

Valerie - my girls are nowhere near rolling over, although Isabelle did roll from her side to her tummy this morning (I'm pretty sure it was an isolated incident). Please don't worry about K&C - they will get there soon enough. Not srue about the boob tenderness. Mine are always tender before my period. Did that happen to you before you were pg / on the pill? Can you imagine being PREGNANT!!!?????

I bought the girls Christmas dresses yesterday. They are soooo cute. Red corduroy with embroidered white snowflakes. I got them at Talbots Kids. I can't wait to put them on the girls.

Have a great day everyone!

AndreaR

sgarrett

10-24-2006, 08:26 AM

AIDEN AND ISABELLE SLEPT FROM 7:30 TILL 4:45!!:clap: This is the first time ever Aiden has ever slept like this! I woke up at 4:00 and panicked, I had to check and make sure he was breathing. Wow, I have not slept that many hours in a row since I was about 6 months pregnant, I feel like a new woman!

Valerie: Neither of mine of rolled over either. The doc told me to make sure I give them at least 15 min of tummy time a day. I am bad about it b/c Isabelle HATES tummy time!

Steph: Will that software work with windows? I am looking for an inexpensive software to edit pics with. I looked at Adobe and the one with all the cool editing features is like $600.00!

Have a great day all!

Staci

vthompson

10-24-2006, 08:56 AM

Staci - A big CONGRATS goes out to you!! You must feel like a new woman today!!!

Lisa - So glad to hear from you...I was getting worried. Glad to hear everyone is feeling better. I cannot believe what a crazy weekend you had! Was the game fun? How was tailgating?

AndreaR - I feel like such an idiot...I cannot seem to remember what my periods were like before I was pg...I can't remember if my boobs were tender. I just remember my periods being like clockwork when I was on the pill. I went off the pill before we started trying...it took almost a year...then a miscarriage...then pg again...it just seems like it has been FOREVER since my pill days!! :crazy:

So, napping was TERRIBLE yesterday and not off to a great start today. Corey cried for the first 15 minutes he was in his crib and now Kayley keeps crying on and off...if she wakes Corey up I am going to be so mad!! She seems to do that often when they nap...he finally falls asleep after a struggle and she decides that everyone has to get up! She is such a girl...she hates to miss out on anything and fights napping like I have never seen. She has even fought taking a nap in the swing! What baby can resist sleeping with the gentle rocking of a swing???

Valerie

LucasMom

10-24-2006, 09:26 AM

Steph-check your email! So jealous of your SWIMMING!!! I am freezing up here!!

Thank you all again for your support. In short response, no my husband isn't in the military, he is a chef. No family vacation in sight, although I am trying to put together a little trip to sunny Florida for a weekend in the middle of January. My husband is work obsessed. He always has been and it has always been a point of contention for us. We both have very demanding careers, but I still have always put our kids and marriage first, and JC is a very me, me, me kind of guy. That said, I love him and we will get through it one way or another. Just tough times right now. My family sadly is around, but does not help much. Weird, right! They all have their own things going on, soo..... I just get tired out, as I am sure you all can understand, seeing as how you do it every day, and I worry that doing it myself, the kids will suffer, because I can't be supermom to three of them at once, and do all of the things I want to do with them without an extra pair of hands to help.

Seems like this past week has been the "We are sick and don't feel like sleeping week" around these parts of the board! We went to the pumpkin patch on Sunday, and I have to post the pics. We had a great time.

Lisa-You are crazy with all of that travel! Hope you had a great time. I was thinking of you because my grandfather bought me a PSU snowsuit that he found at Marshall's for the boys, and I think you should have it!! Only one though : (

Val- I wouldn't worry, although you can always ask your doc. Dylan is way ahead of Logan in the wanting to sit and stand department, but Logan is a better roller. Some kids never roll or crawl, and just go straight to sit and stand! I am sure your munchkins will do it when they are ready!

I have to get back to work. I miss you all!

Hugs,
Mindy

vthompson

10-24-2006, 11:40 AM

Guess what.....Kayley rolled over!!!! I feel bad because I did not see her do it. I was on the couch feeding Corey and she was on the play mat. I heard grunting...I thought she was pooping and I looked down and there she was...on her tummy!! I am so excited!! :yippee: :yippee: :yippee:

Valerie

EBTwinz

10-24-2006, 01:59 PM

Yeah, Kayley!!!! :yippee: :yippee:

mmzill

10-24-2006, 03:14 PM

Valerie - that's great about Kayle! My boys have rolled from their tummy to back, but not the other way. I'm not too worried about it. My dd didn't roll much until she was almost 5 months, then it seemed like everything happened at once, she rolled all over and was sitting up and then started crawling in like a month of that.

Staci- so glad for all the sleep!!! That is terrific! Nathan slept really well last night also, but Anthony (the usual good sleeper) did awful. Oh well, can't have it all I guess.

Mindy - I know you and dh will work it out. It does sound like you have a strong marriage. Good luck with juggling it all.

Lisa - good to hear from you - sounds like you are absolutly insane to do all that in one weekend!

The boys had a wonderful nap today. They didn't take a morning nap, but fell asleep around 11:30 and slept until almost 4! I couldn't believe it. Hopefully they will do ok tonight.

Well, off to check on Alaina, she is eating and watching Baby Einstien's On the Farm, I love the BAby Einstien videos. They are great!

~Monica

Sherry, Ters, Danielle??????? Where are you guys!?????

vthompson

10-24-2006, 07:13 PM

I just wanted to say how funny it is that after Kayley rolled over, I told my DH and then I raced upstairs to tell all of you ladies! It just goes to show you how much we are all a family!

Mindy - Stay strong! You can do it because you are a great mom and wife. As Monica said, it does sound like you have a strong marriage!

Valerie

sgarrett

10-24-2006, 07:16 PM

Valerie: Congrats to Kayley! What exersaucer is that in your slide it looks like alot of fun.

vthompson

10-25-2006, 06:27 AM

Staci - It is the evevflo...we really like it.

Has anyone heard from Daniele since she returned from her trip? I am little worried about her...also, where is Ters, Sherry...I am sure I am missing some more MIA mommmies.

Valerie

JacobsMom

10-25-2006, 08:20 AM

Has anybody bought a double jogging stroller yet?

I have found a Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogging Stroller for $70,

I was wondering if anyone has one of these, and do you recommend it?

Thanks!
Stacey

WOO HOO!! My boys are 5 months old today!! Where has the time gone? It doesn't seem possible! LOL!

JacobsMom

10-25-2006, 08:58 AM

HOORAY FOR KAYLEY!! :funny: (this is Kayley rolling - not ROFLOL! :) )

Tate rolled over ONCE back in September and has never done it again! David has yet to roll over. It was so funny, cause I was at my MIL house and had just finished nursing the boys. She took Tate and put him on the playmat on the floor. He just immediately rolled on over. She was surprised, and said something about me not telling her that he was rolling over, and I told her it was the first time.

EBTwinz

10-25-2006, 10:19 AM

Does anyone use Nestle Good Start? I have 4 coupons for free 12-12.9oz cans and 3 coupons that are buy 2 save $2 or $1. PM me your address and I will send them to you.

Valerie: I found more Similac coupons. I will send them to you.

Daylight savings: Do you all realize it's daylight savings this week? I can just imagine how bad the babies' schedules will be messed up. I used to look forward to that extra hour, now I am dreading it. I am sure they will want to go to bed at 6pm. I guess I will just have to keep them up.

Talk to you all later,
Lisa

swineland

10-25-2006, 07:39 PM

Hello everyone!

Lisa, your trip sounds very tiring, but fun! I was exhausted reading about it. :)

The jumperoo, Valerie, is for babies 25lbs and less. It definitely doesn't hold as much weight as the exersaucers, but it is well worth the money if you have active little babies (especially boys!) Evan and Bailey go CRAZY in that thing. It is the very last "toy" that they get to play with after they eat and I make sure to wait at least a 1/2 an hour before I put them in it or else they'll spit everything up from all that bouncing around!

I have been in touch with Daniele and wanted you all to know that she is just fine. She got back from Florida safe and sound and has just been really busy. You can call off the search teams!

Taking the babies to Universal Studios tomorrow for the first time. DH works in advertising there and he can meet us in the park for lunch. I'm only planning on going for an hour or so, but the weather is supposed to be lovely and I like to get out and get some fresh air with them.

Me in a bathing suit: many thanks to those of you who commented on my swimming photos with the boys.....I assure you that the ONLY reason I look hot in my bathing suit is because it was 90 degrees that day :) You'd be surprised what can be hidden below the surface of the water! My fat a$$ just keeps getting bigger.....I weigh more now than I did just after the babies were born!! HELP!

This weekend is the Charlie Brown Halloween special on ABC....I hope the boys will like it.....it's a tradition.

Are any of you actually planning on taking the babies out on Halloween??? What does everyone have planned?? I think we'll take the babies out for a nice walk around the neighborhood with their costume/sleepers on. We usually hand out candy, order a pizza and drink a bottle of red wine. However, this year is going to be a little different :) We get a TON of kids trick-or-treating every year, but this year I don't feel like it. I want to spend time with MY kids and not be answering the doorbell every 5 seconds.

We just ordered our new dining room table from West Elm. I'm so excited to get it and can't wait to host our FIRST Christmas dinner with the twins.

So, turns out I didn't have to take either of the cats to the humane society. My mom ended up taking Riley back to Ft. Myers with her and our other cat, Yoshi, will stay with us on a trial basis and I really think he'll do better being an "only" cat. Stay tuned....

Well, I'm off to bed! Hope everyone is well......talk soon!
Steph

vthompson

10-26-2006, 09:14 AM

So, I feel really bad....Kayley was screaming, I am talking full force screaming...nothing would calm her down...I tried a bottle, rocking, soothing, nothing. I got so aggravated that I set her in her crib, closed the door, and walked away. I just found myself needing to get away from her at that moment...I feel so guilty for even writing this. I only left her in there for a few minutes and then picked her back up, she eventually fell asleep. It is amazing how hard being a mom can be sometimes. Oh my gosh, she is now crying again...I have to go!

Valerie

vthompson

10-26-2006, 10:11 AM

So, for now, babies are both sleeping...cross your fingers. I took a nice long shower, without the monitor, and I feel much better. It is amazing how refreshed I felt after our Saturday night without babies and how quickly everything gets crazy again.

Halloween - I love Halloween! It is supposed to be pretty cold here so we will just be dressing the babies up and taking pics and then I will pass out candy. DH has hockey practice in the middle of trick or treating. I bought Corey these devil horns but they looked girly so I am covering them with black felt...my first semi sewing job...it is a pain in the butt! Anyways, I was laughing with DH because we are going to all this trouble just to take some pics of them on Halloween. They will probably not even be in their costumes very long. I just hope their costumes look cute...we did not have the money to spend on 2 costumes so we are kind of winging it. Corey is a devil, we found red sweatpants/shirt and then the ears and tail that I am recovering. Kayley is an angel (well, not today, lol). We are going to put her in her Baptism gown and I bought child sized wings and a halo...it is probably going to be too big, but hopefully they won't look stupid. Everything cost us $10. Next year, I want to learn how to sew and make them costumes...yeah right, in my spare time!

I find posting on here very therapeutic in times of stress...I guess that is why I just wrote a book on Halloween!

Steph - Thanks for the info on the jumperoo. We are going to return the exersaucer tomorrow and get it. I think Corey will love it. Thanks for the info on Daniele, too. I am glad she is doing well!

Christel - I received the coupons yesterday. Thank you so much! I could not believe how many there were. I wonder why I only get like 1 coupon every month or so from them and everyone else gets multiples.

Lisa - I would really appreciate more coupons!! I have not gotten any from Enfamil since the ones I sent you. Once I do, though, I will send them your way.

Stacey - Congrats on the 5 month bday!! Mine are 5 months tomorrow. I cannot believe how time has flied!

Since Kayley rolled over, she has not done it again. She gets really close, but has not gone all the way over. Corey seems to have gotten lazy and does not even attempt it anymore. Boys!!

Valerie

christel

10-26-2006, 11:15 AM

Hi Girls,

I've been reading almost every day but haven't found time to stay longer and post. The girls are both sleeping now and I don't have any work work I have to do... housework is another story.

Emme and Ruby are 6 months old tomorrow! OMG! Where is the time going? They have a pedi appt. in the morning. I'm going to dope 'em with Tylenol before we go and continue it the rest of the day.

Em's crying... bye

sgarrett

10-26-2006, 11:40 AM

Valerie: You should not feel guilty at all, you did the right thing! What could you possibly feel bad about? Having a baby cry no matter what you do is the most stressful thing. I truly beleive the babies feel your stress and aggravation, putting her down until you can get you bearings is the best thing for her and you! You are a wonderful mommy do not feel bad!

Steph: Halloween, I think we are going to my BIL, the have a 5 year old girl and 9 year old boy. If not we will hang out at home and answer the door with the babies all dressed up. There are only like 50 houses in my neighborhood, usually someone borrows our trailer and puts hay in it and takes the kids for a hayride door to door for trick or treating. On the bathing suit issue, ARRGGHH, I have been faithfully dieting for a few weeks now, and cannot seem to drop anymore weight. I lost 10lbs and now I am stuck with about 40 more to go. I am actually asking for a personal trainer for Christmas.

Plugged milk duct: I apparantly have a "plugged milk duct" it is soo tender and painful. I have tried hot showers, nursing and pumping to no avail. Anyone had to deal with this? Any suggestions?

Sleeping: Well the other night was apparently a one time deal, they have slept horribly the past two nights. Aiden woke 4 times last night and so did Isabelle. They would not immediately pass out after eating, they have been kinda fussy lately. I do not know if it is teething or change of weather or what.

Take care all

Staci

mmzill

10-26-2006, 12:01 PM

Staci - i just had a plugged milk duct also. What helps me is to massage it as they are nursing, massage toward the nipple. It hurts like HE!! but it does seem to work.

Or, sorry so short, got to run.
Monica

christel

10-26-2006, 02:38 PM

Staci - I just have a second - but my lactation consultant said to soak the nipple w/ the clog in warm salt water... the salt draws the plug out. Have had plugged ducts and done this and it works! Might have to do it a couple of times.

christel

10-26-2006, 03:18 PM

ok - I think I can stay long enough to finish a post now. The girls are asleep in their swings.

We've had a hellish couple of weeks w/ night times and eating/sleeping. Once we get them down they've slept through the night, but the going down has been rotten. I know they're ready for more food (cereal and stage 1's) but I really want a pedi visit first. It's tomorrow. We'll figure out our new regimen and work out our new schedule. I can't wait! I haven't wanted to "figure something out" on my own and be told I need to do something different - so we've just been sucking it up and waiting 'till the appt.

EC Intervention - the girls don't qualify! :yippee: They were evaluated yesterday (on the 4 mo. charts - their adjusted age) and scored high. We enrolled in the follow up program, though. They will send us evaluations to do at home every couple of months and we'll mail them back in to be scored. If they notice that there's a lag then they can be reevaluated and qualify later on if needed. All in all, I feel really good.

Rolling - not really. They've both done it once or twice but not for a while. They're either content on their back or their tummy and don't really want to go to the other side. They roll to their side all the time but just don't complete the roll. ECI said that's normal for 4 mo.

Jog Stroller - we have the BOB Revolution Duallie (http://www.bobtrailers.com/strollers/revolutionduallie.php) and LOVE :throb: it!!! We had the Baby Trend jogger and it was heavy and didn't have a swivel option on the front wheel. We'll use the BOB until they're 3 or 4 I'm sure. We got it at REI on sale.

Halloween - our town has a trick or treat street downtown for 12 and under. I think we'll dress 'em up and go there in the stroller and not be home for the doorbell stuff. The dogs go postal. Our church also has a festival that we might try to go to... depends.

Fall Pics - I love love love :throb: all your pics! Too Adorable! I tried to get cute pics of the girls in their costumes and it was a disaster. They were so mad. See for yourself:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e318/snelsonc6896/DSC00013-1.jpg

Pro Photos? - Has anyone gone for professional pictures yet? How's it gone?

:lovemytwins:Christel

JacobsMom

10-26-2006, 11:12 PM

Costumes: The boys are going to be dressed as Pea Pods. My sister got the costumes on clearance at WalMart last year the day I found out I was having twins. I found some fabric at Jo-Anns that has peapods all over it and I am planning on making covers for my carriers out of it. Or more likely, since I will probably run out of time before Tuesday, I will drape the fabric over both carriers on the stroller base, and set the kiddos in their seats on top of it. Then it will look like a little pea garden! LOL! I am dressing Jacob in overalls, a flannel shirt, and a straw hat. He will either be a farmer or a scarecrow if I can pull the accessories together for that. Since the PeaPods are fleece, it will most likely be way too hot for them to wear for long here in Houston. I will probably only put them in them for the photos. They also have Halloween printed Carter's/Wal-mart brand sleepers that they will be wearing. I bought them last year on Nov. 1, 8 days after I found out I was pregnant. They were the first things I allowed myself to buy for my new baby. I was being really cautious not to get my hopes up at that point since I had miscarried before, but couldn't resist the cute little sleepers. I bought two because I couldn't choose between them. I didn't find out for another 8 days I was having twins. They are a 3-6 month and they BARELY fit the boys. I washed them and didn't even put them in the dryer for fear they would shrink! I hung them to dry and stretched them as much as I could for good measure.

Activities: Our dentist hosts a huge carnival every year starting at 3:30 so we will be going to that for a few hours. They have a backdrop set up and take pictures of all the kids. You just come by the office in a week and pick them up. You can also take your own pics. I go for the free pictures. Jacob goes for the Rockwall and rides and free cotton candy and snow cones. (Pretty smart for a dentist huh!) Then about 5:30-6pm we will run back by the house and let Jacob trick-or-treat at the 4 neighbors that we know! Then we'll head over to the Fall Festival at the school he used to go to. He is really excited about that since he hasn't seen most of his old friends since May! I will get to show off the twins to the parents I haven't seen since the day before the babies were born!

Professional Portraits: We have done portraits of the boys 3 times. At 1 month, 2 months, and 4 months. They did really well. 1 mo, and 4 mo were at JC Penney. 2 month were at Wal-mart. I will NEVER do Wal-mart again! I recommend going on a weekday when they aren't usually busy at all and can spend a lot of time with you making sure you get the poses you want and trying different things. We were a little rushed at the last one on a Sunday afternoon, and David was not being very cooperative. I think he was feeding off my stress as well. I ended up taking him back the next morning to get his individual portrait. He would NOT sit up on their poser for some reason that first day.

Portrait Tips: Make sure the babies have been fed recently and are happy. Go at a time of day when they are usually alert and playful. Don't put them into their outfits until you get to the studio, especially if you have one who is notorious for spitting up! Make sure you have another adult with you to help position the babies, dress the babies, etc. Ask the studio if they allow you to change their clothes between poses. Many of them will on a weekday when they are slow. Have a baby hairbrush, and damp washcloth with you to do quick grooming or cleaning between takes. Take a favorite toy or rattle for the photographer to use to get their attention. Relax and try to enjoy it. LOL!

Gotta go. MIL is due in tomorrow and my house is once again (STILL:crazy: ) a wreck. It needs to look like I've done SOMETHING since she was here three weeks ago! My goal for tonight is to clean off the dining room table before I go to bed. I will probably be up all night! Kid you NOT! Actually when she was here before it was to help me out while my DH was away for the weekend. When she saw how demanding they are all day long, she made some comment about understanding why I don't have much time to get a lot of things done (like Thank You notes!!!). I think she may have decided to cut me a little slack! LOL!

Daniele'sTwins

10-27-2006, 06:17 AM

Hi Everyone! I am back! I am so sorry, I have been so busy but now I have so much to say!

First of all I LOVE all the new pics we have on here!

The boys turned 5 MONTHS yesterday!!!

Florida...LOL. OK, so I cried and cried while packing, leaving the boys, in the airport and on the plane! But when I met Steph I felt much better. I LOVED our time together! We drank big girl drinks, ate lunch and even had dessert! I feel bad that Heather couldn't make it though. Then the next day I had my spa day which wass fabulous! When I got home the boys were waiting for me at the airport. I swear to God they grew so much in those few days!

SITTING UP ON THEIR OWN! ...Well, I knew it would happen! While I was gone they started sitting up on their own but my mother didn't tell me at first because I specifically told her that if they do anything new while I am gone NOT to tell me...lol. I even told her that they could not try any new food while I was away! LOL Well, they sit up so well for several minutes I am so proud!

Stroller...I have been using the graco stroller with the car seats but I think I am going to start a BIG change over here. Now that they are sitting up and are WAY TOO heavey for me to keep carrying in those darn seats I am going to break out hte peg perego double stroller instead. I may even change the car seats to the bigger ones.

Sceduale...My boys are on the same sceduale for the most part. the only thing is if they get up at different times but it is usually like 5:30 Luca gets up and 6 for Nico so then I will try to feed them at the same time (in high chairs now) and bed time same time 7:30-8pm ish.

Food...my boys are still having bottles every 3 hours and fruit in the morning, veggie/fruit at night.

Reflux...ok so my boys spit up A LOT all the time. I never made a big deal because they didn't seem like it bothered them but it just POURS out of them! Everyone that holds them gets a surprise! It lasts the whole day not just after a bottle! So long story short they are on zantac now. It had only been for 3 days and I have seen very little difference. How long does this take to work?

Mindy...I think we are married to the same man! Honestly, what you wrote about your DH is exactly my situation. My Dh has been working later and later every night! Wednesday night he didn't get home until 10:45pm! Let me remind you that he leaves the house at 6am! we had a long talk when he got home and he is pretty sure this is the last week of it (his office is getting inspected today!) HE SAYS he is going to try to be home on Tuesdays and Thursdays by 5...WE WILL SEE! He is soooo into his work it is not even funny! I don't know if I told you but he has made his own facial products now and he is opening up a stand at the mall. That opens today. Andrea, next time you are at Prov Place you can see it! Please don't get me wrong, I am so proud of my DH but I miss him so badly, that is why I went to Florida. I just have to keep reminding myself he is working so hard so I can stay home with these beauties!

Halloween pics...as you can see I went and had so halloween pics taken of my to peas in a pod...guess what! the lady asked me if my babies were ADOPTED! :lol: i guess they really don't look like me!

Batteries...I hear ya steph! We buy at BJ's too! My parents are constantly telling me to get the rechargables but I don't feel like they work as well.

Andrea...I am so envious of your Christmas dresses! I want to dress the boys cute too...I am on a mission!

Clothes...so Wednesday I packed up 4 huge tug-a-totes of clothes that no longer fit the boys! It makes me want to shop:lol:

KAYLEY! Good job rolling over!

Daylight savings...not looking forward to that one!

Swings...my boys STILL love them. They love to nap in them and fall asleep in them at night before bed HOWEVER I know that they are getting so heavy! What is the weight limit for them, is it 20 or 25?

Steph...I have gained 2 lbs too! Do you think it was the dessert? :funny:
I am glad to hear your mom took your cats, at least you can still see them and hear about them all the time. I am doing Thanksgiving dinner this year. It is my first time!

Halloween...well I have tons of cousins with babies under the age of 2 and all of my family lives on the same street so we are going to that street the night BEFORE halloween to take pics of all the kids! Then Halloween night I am just going to put the boys in their halloween PJ's and pass out candy. I LOVE halloween passing out candy so I am hoping I can do it this year and next year. Then at 2 I will take them trick or treating when they can understand. Otherwise I do NOT need that candy!

Val... i love your idea of using the christening gown! So cute! I got a sewing machine for Christmas last year because I have always wanted to be able to sew! Well...it is still in the box yet to be opened!

Baths...so wednesday was the first big boy bath at this house! I bought the seats for the tub (I don't know if I love them too much, i might try the bumbos tonight instead). Let's just say that the sink seat is so much easier! My back is already killing me from bending in that tub! Well, I guess i have to get used to it seeing that i will be giving baths for MANY years!

christel

10-27-2006, 12:04 PM

Hey Danielle - if you use the Bumbos for baths, keep the water level in the tub pretty low. They float and can tip if the water's too high. We use them all the time for baths and they work great as long as the water level's ok.

Daniele'sTwins

10-27-2006, 04:05 PM

Thanks Cristel...i am going to try it right now!

sgarrett

10-27-2006, 08:41 PM

Thanks for everyone suggestions on the plugged milk duct. I finally got some relief after 3 hot baths and a super hot shower. But today, this is so gross, I was pumping and I pumped blood from the breast that had been giving me trouble! It scared the crap out of me! I looked down and the bottle was full of blood! Apparantly this is fairly commen, it could have been from the plug finally coming loose it could be from an infection. I called the lactation specialist and she said just keep an eye on it for a couple of days. But man talk about freaky! Just wanted to warn everyone if it happens to them not to go ape $hit like I did!

We went and traded one of our jumparoos for the even flo exersaucer and I told my husband I was going to put it together. I dumped everything out of the box and I swear there are 1,000 parts. Hmmm think I will wait for his help.

Danielle: I am so glad you had a good trip. I leave Wednesday for my first business trip since they were born and I am dreading it. I am not ready to leave them overnight yet. My poor DH is terrified too! They both still wake up so much at night.

Heather and Steph: Heather, I will give you a call if I find out we are having any free time. I know it will be short notice but if it is at all possible I would love to get together will you and Steph.

Good night everyone!

Staci

EBTwinz

10-28-2006, 07:13 AM

Hi everyone!!

Question about solids: How much are you feeding at one sitting? I use Gerber containers and I usually just split in in half, two times a day. Morning is fruits and evenings is veggies. I give them bottles w/ cereal after the morning meal and in the evening, I wait until I put them to bed to give a big bottle w/ cereal. I am just wondering when I should start giving them the whole container and what everyone else is doing.

Rolling over/sitting up: Mine both roll over. Brady has been doing it for a while but hates tummy time so he chooses not to roll over...LOL! Ethan rolls over, props himself up, then rolls back. It's so cute. They both are sitting up, too, w/ assistance. They can sit alone for a few seconds before they fall to the side. So funny! Brady actually likes to stand. ANd he puts a lot of weight on his feet. He looks so small when he is standing, like a little puppet. The physical therapist is so impressed that he likes to stand. I guess it's too early or something for him to do that. I don't even know why he still gets p/t. His torticollis has gone away and he is really strong. I think I may discontinue services.

Gymboree: I won a free session for Gymboree, starting next week. Has anyone taken this class? Sounds cute. I am probably going to enroll both of them, use the free session for one and pay for the other one.

stroller: I still use the duoglider. I put them in their carseats but mine are really heavy, too. I just took out their headrests in the carseats. I guess since they can sit up, I could probably start using the stroller, minus the seats.

Halloween: I have a giraffe costume for Brady and lion costume for Ethan. Today we are dressing them up and bringing them to dh's grandparent's house. Trick or treat is Tues. We are just dressing up the babies and passing out candy.

BTW: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everyone's new pics!!!! They all look so professional!!

Valerie: DO NOT feel bad for putting Kayley down when she was crying. I have done it MANY times!!!!! FOr some reason, Brady is really whiney this week and I have been so frustrated that I make him cry it out in his crib for a while. I think he is going through separation anxiety, too, b/c whenever I leave the room, he freaks out.

Okay, so has anyone ever taken Lexapro? I have been on it for a few weeks, it's really helping, but I am sooooooo tired. I wonder if it's a side effect.

Heather: GOt your PM, and am sending the coupons today. I pm'd you back.

Talking: Ethan is sooooooo funny lately. He is really talking and blowing raspberries all the time. I had him laughing really hard yesterday b/c I was smelling his feet and telling them they were stinky. I laughed so hard w/ him that I cried. It was one of those moments that you hope you never forget.

Okay, gotta get my little peanuts some breakfast. Well, I guess they aren't too little anymore. My little chubbos are over 16 lbs!!!!

Talk to you all later,
Lisa

christel

10-28-2006, 08:56 PM

The girls had their 6 month check up yesterday. It went well... 5 shots each, though :( 4 regular vaccines + a flu shot. DH and I also got our flu shots. Emme is 17lbs and 24 inches! Ruby is 13lbs and 23 inches. No concerns from our pedi about either girl. We will give them cereal w/ applesauce tomorrow and really get started w/ the solids now. I just read Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and have decided to follow his advice and really start to establish good organized naps now. Napping is getting better, but I wouldn't say it's organized right now. We're still at their mercy.

So, here's my plan. I'm going to BF them when they wake up at 7 and then give cereal/applesauce. Nap at 9. Bottles at 11 and next nap at 1. Then, bottles at 3 (I hope they'll go that long) and BF and bottles at 6. Then, to bed. If they need a nap b/t 3 & 6 I'll put them down. The book says that some kids don't need that 3rd nap. Mine may not when they start going down consistently around 7. Wish me luck :xfingers:

On the dark side... my period's back :( I've dropped to only 2 or 3 BF sessions a day in the last week and MAN did AF come running back. I'm all achey and icky. Going to pull out the heating pad tonight.

The girls were 6 months old yesterday and OMG! Time is rolling away. That's their 6 month pic in my siggy. Here's one at 2 months for reference:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e318/snelsonc6896/Fairies/P6300277.jpg

Oh, my sweet girls :throb: :lovemytwins: :throb:

Daniele'sTwins

10-29-2006, 11:11 AM

Christel...LOVE the chubby cheeks! Too cute!

Lisa...feeding, ok...my boys are taking about 9ozs a bottle now, For solids. I give them fruit in the morning and veggies and fruit at night. I start with one jar of fruits in the a.m. and I feed and feed them until they spit it out (telling me they don't want more) sometimes they will have the whole jar and sometimes half. Same thing for dinner. I let them tell me when they are full. I do always give the bottle first though because that is where all the vitamins are.

Staci...it is so hard so just keep yourself very busy!I hope you will get to meet Heather and Steph. I :throb: Steph and Andrea. I can't wait to meet the rest of you someday.

swineland

10-29-2006, 04:52 PM

Hey everyone!

Just winding down from our weekend....the weather here in Orlando was beautiful and we are ALMOST back to window-opening weather. It was a high of 78 today, but still pretty warm in the sun. Didn't do too much.....watched a couple of movies each night, went out to eat last night, had a huge fight on Saturday :battle: and got along great today :kiss:. I sort of launched into this whole "you don't do anything around the house-I'm tired of picking up your shi!" tirade and he hit me back with the ole "I'm working hard so you can stay home-why don't you get a job?" bit. Needless to say, we didn't quite see eye to eye. It was one of our bigger arguments and we both stepped up to the plate at the same time and apologized, recognizing that we both needed to blow off some steam. (Although he still contends that the only reason he said the things he did to me was in self-defense as I "attacked" him....he said he never actually really thinks those things 'get a job, etc etc' and he just had to find something to come back with....hmmmm, yeah.) And Mel Gibson was just rambling like a drunk......

Anyway, we're all better now and moving forward. I was up several times last night with the boys, a time each to eat and once to rock Bailey back to sleep when he flipped over onto his back and it woke him up. Of course, with the time change, they both were up at like 5:45am for the day. Grrrr. I told DH when he got up that I was going to go take a nap, and I did. I slept from 8 to 10:30.....a nice needed coma-like sleep. When I got up, he had cleaned the entire kitchen, put all the dishes from his nightstand in the dishwasher, cut the hedges out front and pulled the weeds in the beds!! He also took the boys to Target and fed them. Nice. Sometimes they just need a little kick in the pants....gets em going again.

Feeding: Daniele, I do not know how you possibly get those boys to eat 9oz!! I couldn't feed E&B a 9 oz bottle if my life depended on it. They take 5-6 ozs at each feeding and their "big" nighttime bottle is usually 7oz with cereal in it. How much is everyone else putting in the bottles?? I feed them a 6 oz bottle when they wake up followed by a divided bowl with half banana oatmeal and half fruit( peaches, bananas and applesauce are the favorites). For dinner, at like 4:30, they get another bottle (unless they have JUST eaten a bottle within the last hour, then they just get the solids) of 2 veggies, be it squash and peas, or sweet potatoes and green beans. THey LOVE all the veggies, particularly squash and sp's. I put half a container of each veggie in the separate sides of the bowl and then they split that. So, each of them is getting about 1/2 a container at each meal. So far, it works good. They open up WIDE for the spoon and eat it right up. I suppose they might take more, but I don't want to make them so full they feel sick :)

Bailey is a little roly-poly! He goes from front to back and back to front in the blink of an eye. Evan is getting there, he's not too into it yet. It aggravates me though b/c Bailey has been waking himself up at night by accidentally rolling over and also when I put him on his back under the Einstein mat, he rolls right over and then spits up everything he just ate! :banghead:

Every year we hand out candy for halloween, but this year I just don't feel like it. I know my neighbors will prolly think I'm being bah humbug, but I'd rather put the boys in their costumes and take a nice walk around the neighborhood with all the kiddies.....I don't want to be answering the door every 3 minutes.

Heather, where are you these days??? Hope all is well. I want to see if you'd be interested in doing the Hunters Creek "Turkey Trot". It's a 5K fun run/walk on Sat. Nov. 18th. It's early in the morning (8am I think) but I am going to do it with the boys, they love to be in the jogging stroller and it would be a good incentive for me to exercise, even if it's for only one morning :) I think it's $15 to register and it includes some t-shirt and a raffle ticket and snacks before and after the "race". (I will NOT be racing anywhere...haha) Anyway, email or call me or reply on here and let me know what you think. Say hi to Meg for me!! Bailey misses her :)

Well, I'm about to make a big ole pot of spaghetti. The cowboys play tonight and it's DH's favorite team, so we'll be watching that.

Brand new episode of House on Tuesday night!! Thanks to Mindy for getting me turned on to that.

It's 5:45pm and the sky is darkening......ah, fall is here!

Have a good night everyone...
Steph

swineland

10-30-2006, 07:34 AM

Hey guys.....quick question....

Since we've started solids, the boys seem to be having less frequent poops and when they do go, it's usually a hard little rock. It's been awhile since they had a nice blow out. (I can't believe I just said that). Anyway, I know the introduction to solids is one of the expected times for this to happen, but I would like to know what I can do to get them a little more, er, regular. I've read about juices, Karo syrup, water, etc, and I just wondered what has actually been tested and tried by my fellow twin mommies :)

Thanks!
Steph

sgarrett

10-30-2006, 09:21 AM

Eating: I mix oatmeal cereal and formula in a small coffee cup (the kind that come with your dishes but are too small to ever use), it is about 3/4 full, for breakfast they have the oatmeal and a fruit for dinner the oatmeal and a veggie. They usually eat one containter between the two of them and all the oatmeal.

Steph: Isabelle has had the solid poop issue, we give her prune juice. Usually about 2-4 oz a day will do the trick. We will either put it in her formula bottle or mix it with water. The ped says if it does not do the trick to try the Karo syrup. So far prune juice has been taking care of it.

This time change does suck, I went to bed at 7:30 last night! I am sitting here at my computer, suppose to be working but I am on this site instead, and my house is totally trashed, I have no groceries! Sigh, do you ever have those days when you just do not feel like doing crap!

Take care,

Staci

EBTwinz

10-30-2006, 11:02 AM

Daniele: Forgot to tell you that my boys are on Zantac, too. Well, Brady was on it for a while, I didn't see any change, so now he is on Prevacid. I don't know if that helps, either. Ethan is on Zantac, 2 ml 2xday. Not sure if it makes any difference. They still both spit up all the time!!!!!

Thanks for answering my questions about eating. I give the boys a half container of fruit in the morning, followed by a 4 oz bottle w/ cereal. At night, it's a half container of veggies around 6:30pm. Between 7-7:30pm, they get a 6oz bottle w/ cereal. I think I need to feed them more. I only give 4-5 oz in their bottles every 3-4 hrs. They still wake up to eat, usually around 6am, I give a 6 oz bottle at that time, and then they will sleep until 8am or just lay in their cribs and play. However, daylight savings has us all messed up. Everything is now an hour earlier.

Pooping: MIne have the solid nugget once in a while, but still have the blow outs. It's funny when they get the solid poop, their little faces turn red and they grunt.

Talk to you all later....
Lisa

LucasMom

10-30-2006, 11:28 AM

Not much time to respond, but Steph-the constipation is a common problem with solids. You can try a 2 oz bottle with 1 oz apple juice one oz water, or you can try mixing the cereal with apple juice instead of formula/water. Also, pears and bananas are big poopy inducers ( yes, I just typed that:clap: ) The boys each eat a total of 5-6 oz. bottles and 1-8 oz bottle a day plus a approx. 2 jar equivelent of fruit and veggie mixed with rice or oats a day. They eat at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and have had all Stage 1 and most Stage 2 foods except desserts (cobbler and the likes). They love the Sweet Potato and apples mix and will eat pretty much anything. I didn't give them the prunes, because I won't make them eat stuff I wouldn't eat. Some days they eat alot, and some days, not so much. I don't force the issue.

Dylan is standing with little assistance for up to a minute at a time. He can sit for a minute or so and then topples over. Logan, forget it! Not even interested!! He loves to roll, which Dylan does not! So different!

I :throb: :dh: :iloveyou: HOUSE!!! It's my favorite show and I really wish I could marry him!! He won't return my calls, though...(Just kidding, I didn't really call him). He is so funny. Glad I got you hooked, Steph.

Happy Halloween, Ladies and I can't wait to see all the new pics posted!

Have to get back to work!!

Love,
Mindy

christel

10-30-2006, 03:26 PM

Steph - we usually add a tbsp of apple or apple/prune juice to 1 bottle each day and that keeps things moving. I've done the karo syrup thing, too, but only b/c we were out of juice. It works fast, but the juice seems more natural and kinder to their system.

Food - The girls had applesauce w/ rice cereal yesterday and today. It's going much better than the cereal experience at 4 mo. They will open their mouths sometimes, so I think they'll really have the hang of it after a week or so.

Naps - my 9 and 1 nap time idea ain't happening w/ the whole daylight savings time thing. They woke up at 6:15 this morning, took a nap at 8, then again at 11 and are asleep again now - at 3. Oh well. I'll keep working on it and see where they really need to sleep and see if I can at least figure out a consistent time every day.

Babysitter - leaving the girls tomorrow afternoon w/ a b-sitter so I can work. I picked up some contract work at my old school, but DH can't flex work tomorrow. I'm a little freaked b/c this is the first time I've left the girls w/ anyone that's not family. That said, she's pretty close to family... one of my bridesmaids and longtime friend, but still!

Costume pics - got some better ones today, they're in my slideshow.

swineland

10-31-2006, 07:52 AM

HAPPY HALLOWEEN and HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVAN and BAILEY!!!

vthompson

10-31-2006, 12:17 PM

Hi everyone....I feel like it has been forever since I last posted. I had a baby shower this weekend that I was co-hosting so I had a bunch to do with that. We took one of the exersaucers back and got a jumperoo. They jump a little in it, but I do not think they totally understand what to do. Halloween costumes were on huge clearance at BRU. So, we splurged and for $7.00, Corey is a horse and Kayley is a cow girl. I took pics, but have not had time to download them yet. They are not as professional as others, but pretty funny!!

Eating - We were eating solids twice a day but have cut back to once...they are not that into it. They usually eat about a half of a container of stage 2 veggies or fruits between the two of them. They will also eat about 1/2 to 1 tb of oatmeal mixed with apple juice. They get really fussy when they are done and seem to cry for a bottle. I am not sure what the problem is.

Well, I wanted to post more, but both babies are crying. Corey has the sniffles and refuses to nap today. He is miserable, which in turn, is making me miserable. Not such a good Halloween so far! Talk to you later.

Valerie

mmzill

10-31-2006, 12:19 PM

Hey everyone -

It seems like it's been forever since I've actually gotten the time to sit down and type something. We are doing well, i'm just so tired. Last night dh did watch the kids for an hour or so and I went out and had some time for me. That was nice, just not long enough. Oh well enough of my belly aching.

Happy Halloween to everyone! I hope you have a wonderful time today. We aren't doing much, but did buy some candy for the trick-or-treaters. They better come because I don't need to eat all that sugar! ;)

As far as sitting up. Anthony is much better at it than Nathan, but he doesn't have it down pat yet. He'll sit for 10 sec or so by himself then fall to one side or the other. They both do really well propped up on the couch though.

Rolling over - they've rolled from belly to back a few times, but not much lately.

Constipated - Anthony seems to be having some trouble. He now takes about 10 oz of formula a day and that seemed to really stop him up. He went 4 days with no bm, but has pooped since. I was getting conserened. I think I will try some juice with his bottle and see if that works.

Eating - I'm still dragging my feet on this one. I've got to start though. They seem to be satisfied with bfing and bottles though, so I haven't pushed it.

Last night while I was out Alaina piled all her stuffed animals around the boys on the couch. The pics were so cute. DH said that he had to keep moving the animals to see the boys. I'll try to post some pics.

Can you believe we are 7 months old now???? Wow, time flies!

vthompson

10-31-2006, 01:16 PM

Zantac - Kayley is on Zantac...she still spit up though. She takes .5ml 2 times a day. When she first started taking it, which was 4 months ago, she was actually throwing up entire bottles...she no longer does that...so I guess it is an improvement. Periodically, I will not give it to her for a day just to see if she still needs it and she ends up spitting up more then usual, so I guess it helps a little. I just thought it would end it completely.

Steph - Happy bday to your boys!!

Monica - Good to hear from you!! What kind of bottle do you use that it fits 10oz? The biggest one we have is 9ozs.

Eating - K and C eat about 6 ozs per bottle, however, if they sleep for a long time at night, they will usually eat 7-9ozs with the first bottle.

It is miserable here, weather wise...rainy and cold. I hope we get at least some trick or treaters or I am going to have a ton of candy left!

Valerie

sgarrett

10-31-2006, 02:07 PM

OK Aiden has started having temper tantrums. I was not expecting this so young! It is actually pretty funny now, but man I am scared of the terrible twos with him! He will be in his exersaucer and get mad b/c he cannot turn the page on this little toy and pitch a fit! He does backbends and wrinkles up his noice and screechs. If you are holding him and he gets mad about something he arches his back and makes the worst faces. We can not help but laugh. He smiles 80% of the day but watch for that other 20%! Anyone else out there or is Aiden a temper tantrum prodigy?

Staci

EBTwinz

10-31-2006, 02:42 PM

OMG, Staci, I just had to respond to your post. Do you have the Baby Einstein exersaucer? Ethan was in it today and was so frustrated that he couldn't turn that page. I had to help him. That is too funny that Aiden had the same problem. And, yes, my babies have major temper tantrums. I knew I was in trouble when I tried to put Ethan down for a nap, and he spit his binkie at me and pounded his legs in the crib. LOL!

I gotta run, I have to get the boys ready for Trick or Treat.

Happy Halloween everyone!!!!

Lisa

swineland

10-31-2006, 03:20 PM

Here's what I came up with to print and put on the porch with the candy:

Greetings to you this Halloween
we hope you’re having fun!
Here’s some candy as our treat,
make sure you take just one.

Go on and pick one, don’t be shy
It’s yours just for the keeping
But whatever you do, don’t ring the bell
The babies they are sleeping!

Hehe :)

vthompson

10-31-2006, 07:30 PM

Steph - Your poem was too cute!!!

Halloween has officially EXHAUSTED me! DH had hockey practice tonight so I took care of babies, passed out candy, and manned all the family members that came over to see the twins. That was way too much for one girl to do alone! Plus, the babies start getting cranky around 6:30pm, so by 8pm, they were both screaming. They are asleep now. Poor kids!! I bought 5 bags of candy and ran out within an hour. I never buy enough! Next year I am going to try 10 bags!!

Ok, this mommy needs to go to bed!

Love ya ladies!

Valerie

vthompson

10-31-2006, 07:33 PM

One more thing....my SIL called in the middle of a major baby meltdown this evening and wanted to bring their twins over...DH's brother has 6 year old boy/girl twins, too...anyways, I told her I was sorry, but it was not a good time. She did not call until close to 8pm and the babies needed to have their bedtime bottles and go to sleep. Was that wrong?

One other thing...has or is anyone getting those covers for the carriers that are supposed to block wind/rain/snow? I have seen them at BRU and they range between $20 and $60. I was thinking of getting the cheaper ones but I did not know if they were a waste of money. We get such wicked weather here in the winter. Basically, they attach to the carrier and zip up to cover the baby. Obviously, once we got in the car, I would unzip it. Any thoughts?

Valerie

JacobsMom

10-31-2006, 10:11 PM

This has been the suckiest Halloween ever!!

My mother-in-law, me, and my hubby all came down with a stomach virus today of all days!! We are sick as dogs - going at both ends. I was so disappointed about not getting to dress up the babies and take them to the carnival and especially get their pictures taken. We called a friend who agreed to take Jacob to the carnival, but before they showed up, HE started throwing up too. It is a nightmare around here. The babies both have been really fussy all day. We've had to pass them around to whoever isn't sleeping or in the bathroom at the moment! I just want to cry! Jacob is so upset to have missed Halloween - he is 8 so it's still a big deal for him. He also had really been looking forward to seeing his old school friends he hasn't seen since May.

David finally crashed out a half hour ago. I'm really hoping he is down for the night. He cut his first tooth yesterday so he has not been having a good day either. Tate is in my lap and kicking and digging his heals into my legs. Man that hurts! MIL is in the bed. Jacob's curled up on the couch. DH ran to Kroger to get baby food, crackers, chicken soup, and gatorade.

I'm REALLY hoping we are all over this in the morning. This is the pits!! I'm praying the babies don't get sick now.

Sorry for the whining, but this day has totally sucked!

mmzill

11-01-2006, 10:24 AM

Well, we didn't have much of a Halloween here either. Thankfully we weren't sick though! It was raining here so we hade very few tricker-treaters.

Valerie, I don't have a 10 oz bottle, it's just that Anthony only gets about 10 oz of formula in a day the rest is b/milk. My bottles are 4 and 9 oz also.

Well we are heading to Huntington today (2hrs away) for the boys follow up with the Neonatologist. (the appointment was supposed to be the first of Oct, but I was sick) anyways.....I'm looking forward to it. I'm anxious to hear what they'll have to say.

A while back there was a discussion on here on bigger car seats. We are still using the Gragco snugride ones, but when dd was out growing hers I got the Evenflow Triumph convertable car seat. I have been very happy with it. It has one of the highest safety ratings and is considerably cheaper than the Britax (i think that's the right name). It was very comfortable for her when she was small and she still fits into it very nicely. I like how the straps tighten down and loosen. anyway, I have been very pleased. I think it's like $120 or so.

Well, have a great day everyone!
~Monica

vthompson

11-01-2006, 03:14 PM

I added some new pics to my slide show.

Jacobsmom - Sorry for the sickness. I hope everyone is feeling better.

Monica - Anxious to hear what the doc says.

Valerie

megzmom

11-01-2006, 07:47 PM

Sick-check. Feel like a real family now. We share everything including sickness. DH was sick a week ago and I am still suffering. PRaying that the boys dont get it again.

Halloween-Fun. Went to Fall Festival at church as always. Meg was a medieval princess and boys were super man babies :)

I really missed you all very much.

Steph-Nov 18th sounds great!
Boys are 5mths tomorrow!!!!! :clap: Too fast.

mmzill

11-01-2006, 08:18 PM

Victor Here,

Well Monica drug me down to the boys checkup with the Doc. I kept telling her that there was absolutely no reason to drive 2 hours for a checkup but I guess moms win such arguments. At any rate, the doc said the boys were mostly human, had 3 ears, 2 noses, 1 mouth and six eyes and that everything was looking halfway normal. Monica was pleased that the doc had such wisdom and understanding and was also happy that the doc felt the male variety were much more prone to such anatomy discrepencies. Then the doc wants us back in 6 months for the excuse to check the babies. However, I know the real reason is to help pay for the ridiculously expensive malpractice insurance she must pay for (I would guess over $200,000 premium every year).

I now know the whole reason for her wanting me to go along.... She wanted two hours of my time so that she could attempt to convince me to pay for a nice romantic night away from our three hoodlums. After much anguish, gnashing of teeth, and delaying tactics for frustrations sake, I finally relented. Oh what a tough decision. It is so joyous to be awakened at odd hours through the night and to have a wife that is so tired out that she doesn't feel like doing anything except for keeping the bed from lavitating. So off to a romantic getaway we shall go forever longing for 3am baby swapping and half-asleep mumblings.

I do periodically read everyone's posts and see what sort of ranting against us of the male variety you ladies have conjured up. I figure that you get so frustrated with tending to the joys of motherhood that you have to show your affection for the job somewhere, and where better than dear old dad. Ah well.... I guess that what we are for.

Good luck everyone, life will get better.

Victor

christel

11-02-2006, 09:51 AM

My girlfriend has 2 1/2 yr. old twin girls. She writes a blog that mainly features their antics (and her 17 mo. old, too) to maintain a hold on her sanity. This posting made me laugh so hard that I almost peed a little:funny: ... which means, I'll get mine in another year or so.

Enjoy:
http://jennyhaha.blogspot.com/2006/10/warning-graphic-images-ahead.html

Daniele'sTwins

11-02-2006, 03:50 PM

Hi everyone!

Well, Halloween was not that great this year for me either. Nico has an ear infection and Croup...UGH He looked so pathetic, it was so sad! We just stayed in and I passed out candy. I wouldn't have gone out anyway because I do NOT want the candy! Well let me rephrase that...I would LOVE to have the candy BUT I surely don't need it!

Luca is starting to say MUM! Whe he cries for me in the crib or when he wants me to pick him up he says MUUUM MMUM it is SOOOOO cute I actually LIKE when he cries now...LOL

Zantac...my boys take .8ml 2 times a day.

Steph...Love the poem! Too Cute!

Valerie...I dont know if you should get the cover. To be honest I already switched to the bigger car seats. My boys were WAY to heavy for me to carry like that anymore and now that they sit up pretty good on their own I bought that cloth cover for when we go to stores with carriages.

Jacobsmom...what a $hitty Halloween! Literally! I had that when I was preggo, it is horrible! I hope you are feeling better!

Well, i am going to straighten up my house now while the boys are in the swing (which they are probably too big for)

mmzill

11-02-2006, 09:11 PM

Where is everyone????? Valerie, Lisa, Steph, Mindy, Heather, Sherry, and everyone else????

The board is so quiet - Hope Victor's ramblings didn't scare you all off....:funny:

Christel, loved the story! I was laughing so hard!

Good night all.
Monica

JacobsMom

11-03-2006, 01:34 AM

So I was out shopping all day at the mall with the twins. Left home for a SECOND day in a row with no extra formula. I had two prepared bottles, but nothing to make a second one for them. So anyhow when the boys were just about to reach meltdown stage, I decided to run into Target to buy some formula to fix them bottles. They have had Value Sized cans of Similac Advance on clearance for $19.11, and today it had been marked down to $11.24 - SWEET!! - bought 3 cans and will go back for more. Anyhow, as I was hangin' in the Snack Bar feeding kids and scarfing down Popcorn and Dr. Pepper, my DH called and wanted to know where I was and when I'd be home. (It was only 5:30 for pete's sake! LOL!) He wanted to go out to eat. Cool with me. Then he said to get him some shampoo since I was at Target. Well, never mind I had already checked out - oh well, decided to go ahead and get diapers too since I was down to my last two and needing to put them to use ASAP. And besides going to buy diapers was my excuse for leaving the house at 11:30. LOL! Well here I am now leaving Target, pushing my fully loaded Snap and Go through the mall one-handed, while toting a Target bag with a gi-normous box of Pampers in the other. Mind you Target is on the complete opposite end of the mall from JC Penney where I had parked the car!!!!

So anyhow, get in the car and plug in my now-dead cell phone to call DH and let him know I'm on my way. He says to meet at Joe's Crab Shack at 6:30. No prob. At 6:30 I'm almost there and call to tell him how close I am. He and Jacob have just walked in the door. So I get to Joe's and park my car. I decided to go ahead and take the stroller in instead of having DH come back out to carry the seats. So I pop the trunk and get out the stroller. I loaded up the stroller and decided I didn't need my cell phone in the restaurant so I threw it back in the trunk and slammed the lid. Just as soon as it shut, I realized I didn't have my keys. OK, no big deal, I can pop the trunk from inside the car. I reached for the back passenger door to get Tate out and the door was locked! Still not concerned, I sometimes forget to flip the lock when I get out of the car. I go to the driver door and it's locked too!!!!!!! My stupid "smart-car" locked itself for me!!

I LOCKED MY BABIES IN THE CAR!!!!!!

I freaked out! I frantically searched my pockets, the stroller, and the ground again for my keys but no luck. I ran into the restaurant just about in hysterics to get my hubby. He didn't get upset, just told me to calm down and we went back outside. He and Jacob then did a search for the keys. Still no luck. I went and searched his truck. Our other set of car keys has been missing for a couple of weeks and I was praying that it would miraculously turn up tonight in his truck. Still nothing. He went and found a coat hanger somewhere to try and push the unlock button but couldn't get enough force on it. After 15 minutes, both boys are now awake and screaming. They can see Mommy, Daddy, and Big Brother and want to know why the h*** we are outside and they are still in the car! LOL! I remembered that I have a valet key at home that will open the door! YES! I took off for home in the truck to get the key. Made it home in 10 min. DH called as I walked in the door. I was hoping he had them out but he said he didn't yet. I grabbed the key and took off back to Joe's. 15 min. later I was back to my car. No sight of stroller, no babies in car!! Thank heavens!

When I went inside, James was holding both babies and they had just stopped crying. Poor little things. I kissed James on the cheek and said something about Daddy being a hero. He said nope, Mr. Wrecker Driver was the hero, and the two cops that showed up, and the ambulance driver... OMG!!! :eek: He's kidding right? NOPE! The security guard next door at Hooters was an off-duty sheriff's officer. He called it in, and a wrecker showed up within 5 minutes. He slim-jimmed the door and James got the babies, popped the trunk and got the keys. Then two police cruisers stopped by to make sure everything was ok. James reassured him the babies were fine, and they actually intercepted the ambulance as they were leaving before he entered the parking lot. Good grief!!! I missed all the excitement that I caused! Thank goodness it was cool tonight. It was about 62 degrees. I can't imagine how hot it would have gotten in there after 30 minutes if it hadn't been. Of course had it been warm, I'd have called 911 immediately.

Lessons Learned:
1. LEAVE 1 DOOR OPEN UNTIL BOTH BABIES LOADED ON STROLLER
2. NEVER PUT KEYS IN TRUNK
3. MY HUSBAND IS THE MOST PATIENT MAN IN THE WORLD - I'll never understand how he puts up with me. :throb: :kiss:

vthompson

11-03-2006, 10:41 AM

I do not have much time...just wanted to check in. It snowed here last night...it was blizzard like conditions...I couldn't believe it! When we woke up, there was a layer of snow on the ground. I am so not ready for this type of weather!

Staci - Do not beat yourself up over what happened. It could happen to any of us. In fact, there is a few times it almost happened to me! At least your DH was there and as you said, very calm about everything! Think of it this way...it brought you two a little bit closer :sunshine:

Monica - I was laughing at Victor's post...he should be a writer! I agree, it has been very slow lately. I am glad that the boys are both doing well!

Heather - I am sorry you are still sick. I hope it gets better soon!

Daniele - When you go out with the boys, how do you get them in the car without the carriers? Do you put one in and then go back in the house and put the other in? I think that is one of the reasons why I am hanging on to the carriers...getting them in and out of the house. I was hoping you had a better solution!!

Corey is SO CRANKY today! I am at a lost for how cranky he is. Also, they both got up at 2:30am last night and 1am the night before. What the heck is going on? Talk to you ladies later.

Valerie

LucasMom

11-03-2006, 12:34 PM

Still here, JUST CRAZY BUSY!!!!
Close to divorce and raising three kids myself!
Stace-You just parlayed my biggest fear in writing. You handled it very well, so don't be too hard on yourself. My car has the same feature, so I always leave the driver door open until everyone is loaded.
Val- Seems like everyone has had this issue at 5 months...a growth spurt I think.

Halloween went ok. Boys looked adorable, and weather was beautiful. Dh (which does not stand for Dear anything right now...)left work late on the one day in the last 11 weeks he was actually going to pick up the kids, so I had to leave work and scramble to pick them up, get the dressed before the crowd showed up. Amazing that 25 friends and family show up to see them dressed up and eat food, and still no one offers to feed or hold a baby! Lucas had fun as a Power Ranger.

I am terribly lonely. My once happy marriage is in the garbage right now, as my husband has decided that work is his only priority. We missed a follow up appt for Logans hemangioma today because they called yesterday to confirm (which unfortunately is the only way I actually manage to remember things) and he took the call, said we'd be there and never told me. I am getting charged 200. for the missed appt and their next appt is in February. I can't discuss, cry , yell, be upset anymore...it doesn't work. He just told me yesterday that he is working the day of Lukes 4th birthday party. And Victor...my rantings are certainly not based on deprivation of sleep, but on a frustrated, always supportive wife working 55+ hours a week and raising three kids alone with no one but a board full of also supportive far away mommies to talk to. You, on the other hand, seem like a wonderful father. My husband still can't tell the twins apart. I miss him and us.

Anyway, miss you guys and will be back around as soon as I have a spare moment. Thinking of you all.

PS- Just heard through a highschool friend that another of my highschool friends who I haven't seen and was due with twins around the same time as us had them at 32 weeks and one didn't make it. I am so thankful that all of us have healthy, beautiful children, and it makes me think of how really lucky we all are.

Hugs mamas.

Mindy

vthompson

11-03-2006, 02:01 PM

Mindy - I just want to tell you how much I wish we could get together with you right now and hold and feed your babies, while giving you a much needed break. Then, we could all go out for big girl cocktails to help you take your mind off things. I just do not even know what to say except that I am sorry that all of this is happening to you...this is supposed to be the best years of our lives, being mommies. I wish there was more I could do for you. For now, I am sending hugs your way....:grouphugg

Valerie

megzmom

11-03-2006, 02:33 PM

Mindy-I am beside myself for you. I went through something similar with my ex, dd father. I truly feel how lonesome you are but on a much larger scale. Where do you live? Your title bar doesnt say.

Staci-BEEN THERE DID THAT!!! I was newly single, in my first apt . bymyself. My dd was just being potty trained (no diaper) and it was cold (FLorida style). Locked them in the front seat. I usually through them in my seat while I put the kids in. And all the doors were locked. Most horrible feeling ever. My mom worked on 10 min away but left my spare at her house I had to call the fire dept. She was screaming, I was crying. She had kicked off her socks and shoes, didnt have her jacket on in the carseat. No diapers. I am so happy that you dh did add anymore pressure.

relationship-I feel bad lately...maybe the sickness in the house over the last few weeks? overworked? Whatever the excuse, I am not making ANY effort to be close to my dh. And he is really being a team player at home. He even took all the kids out on Sund to my mom's house the entire evening so I could sleep-without asking. We are just completely broke and I dont know what to do. Getting dressed up and music doesnt do anything for him. ANy other suggestions?

Sorry I havent posted lately, I read but too blah to even talk with my sisters :cool: I really do miss you all.

AndreaR

11-03-2006, 03:36 PM

hello ladies........i have been MIA due to a crashed hard drive. now i'm back, and i've finally read the recent posts. sorry i don't have time to respond to everyone, but i'm supposed to be folding laundry. i just wanted to say that even though i'm not here to tell you this every day:

i love you all so much. i pray for you and your families every day. you are such good mommies and i admire everything that you do and everything that you are. i know that there are some crappy things happening to some of you right now, and i wish that i could do more than post "i love you." if anyone ever needs to talk/vent/cry, i am happy to listen. i'd even supply wine and chocolate (or cheese & bread....) if we were close enough. the longer we travel this twins road together, the more i feel like we all need to get together in person some day soon. chins up, mommies - you are truly incredible women.

xoxoxoxo
andrear

Daniele'sTwins

11-03-2006, 05:17 PM

Mindy...My heart goes out to you! As I have posted in the past I am also a single mom with a husband. My DH was supposed to cut back on work starting this week. He kept saying I can't wait until after friday so I will be home more...BLAH BLAH BLAH! So Monday it was 11pm, Tuesday and Wed 9 and last night 8 after he said 6...UGH. Oh yeah and last Saturday I asked him if we could have a "family day" of just watching a movie and being with the boys and he was all..."i will be home early, I just have this one lipo" and he didn't get home until after 4. I get so sad waiting for him!
And like you he still has trouble telling the twins apart./ He goes all week without seeing them how could he not! Please know that you are not alone!

Babies crying...be back

swineland

11-03-2006, 05:48 PM

Hi to all....

Mindy, I called you back but got your voicemail again.....let's talk tomorrow.

Daniele, I know your situation is hard, too. On the one hand, you are thankful for DH working and supporting you and the boys, but on the other more important hand, you miss him and feel like he's missing out on a lot with your children. Workaholics don't realize that what they have is an addiction. And just like any drug, it can really be harmful, especially to a marriage. I truly hope that Paul decides soon to wise up and cut his hours a little bit. It's definitely not fair that you are on the back burner.

Andrea, you are so sweet for writing what you did. I feel the same way about these wonderful gals as you do..... it's such a special group. :)

Teeth: oh boy. Are you ready? Evan and Bailey each just got another tooth, this time on top. Bailey is ALSO getting his two add'l lower teeth...one of them has JUST today popped through. CRAZY! So, all total, Evan has 4 teeth and Bailey is working on number 5! Is this freakishly abnormal??

Period: Remember that fight I said that I had with DH last weekend?? Well, today I got my period....that explains EVERYTHING!! :funny:

Baby Einstein: ok, I want to make sure I"m not being lazy mommy over here. On the contrary, I'm so busy that I use the videos as a way for me to get stuff done without having to constantly be holding one of them. OR I use it when they are just fussing away and, after being fed, changed and napped, they are still going at it. It's the only thing that mesmerizes them and calms them down instantly. The videos are 1/2 an hour long and sometimes they watch 3 of them a day.....is that too much time in front of the tv??? They clearly love it and my friend says, are you kidding?, you have TWO babies....do whatever works! I just feel bad when I'm not personally interacting with them. (but it is nice to get a break!)

Had to put the bumpers back on the cribs...... Nightmare returns while changing sheets. I have walked into the nursery several times now to find a leg or arm sticking through the slats! They aren't crying or anything, just kinda like, what the??

Bathtub: we have the Sure Comfort Deluxe...that blue plastic one. I hate it! It's become such a chore to give them a bath. They arch their backs and slide up over the little "ridge" that's designed to keep them in a reclined seating position. Therefore, we are always having to keep one arm on them while trying to get the washcloth, soap, etc with the other. It's a battle.

Speaking of battles, anyone else have strong babies that are making diaper changes/clothing changes a real challenge lately??!

I gotta run...more to say.
xoxo

Steph

LucasMom

11-03-2006, 07:14 PM

I have to go (another joyful night at home alone...) but just wanted to say I love you all and thank you so much for your support and kind words. I am feeling kind of a breaking point. It has been a rough couple months around here, with my brother and the way things are going and I just need to get over this part...I think I feel depressed. I am crying alot, luckily I contain it to after the kids are sleeping or when I am in the bathroom, but I am in general just having a really tough time right now. I hate that I feel this way because I am so lucky for so many things but I take it really hard when I feel like I faied at something, and right now I am feeling like a big, fat failure at life. I have three beautiful kids, a greta job where I well respected, a home and food to eat, and all of you! I should be happy, but it just seems so hard right now. Jc took off yesterday, and I won't even tell you what a waste of space he was while I was at work. It would have been understandable if he spent his time playing with the kids, but he actually put Luke in from of the tv and went up to bed and took a NAP!!!the house was a disaster when I got home, the twins still in pajamas, and he was in bed watching TV. I know I will get past this...I will alugh at the whole thing on day with or without him, but man...it makes my head hurt right now!

Anyway, I love you all so much for being here for me and just probably skipping my posts when you see my name because I am so whiny, but I promise to try and be back to normal Mindy as soon as possible!!!

Love you,
Mindy

OK I saw a bunch of spelling errors, but typing with one hand, so please excuse this time!!!

Daniele'sTwins

11-03-2006, 08:25 PM

Lisa...I have taken Lexapro. I lived with my very strict Italian parents up until the day I got married. Once I was in my career, engaged and starting to feel like a "BIG GIRL" my parents would still treat me like a little girl! PLUS, I would have major anxiety attacks when I would have to see DH's brother's wife. She is a very mean person. So I saw someone who felt as though I should take meds because of my anxiety...I was on it for about 6 months. It takes about 2 weeks to kick in and when you come off it you have to do it VERY slowly, you can't just stop.

Things are better for me now. I am not living with my "mommy and daddy" anymore and I try to stay as far away from my meany sister in law...however I do have a Xanax when I do HAVE to be in her company!

If you have anymore questions about that please feel free to ask!

AndreaR...I love this board too! I love all of you in a deep way it is so nice to be close with people that are going through what you are and don't judge the person you are.

Steph...First of all I just CAN'T believe about the teeth! That is CRAZY! Second of all I don't think you are being lazy AT ALL. My boys don't LOVE those videos but I try everyday!
:lol:

Diaper changing...if I have to clean another foot that went into poop I am going to scream (and yes I do hold the feet up)

Mindy... I have a strong desire to meet you for coffee! I wish we lived closer!

LOVE YOU ALL !

EBTwinz

11-04-2006, 07:56 AM

Mindy: I am so sorry you are feeling this way about dh. It really sucks to feel lonely and on your own, not to mention raising three kids at the same time. You have been through so much in these past few months. Please don't ever feel like you are whiny. We all are here for you and want to help out, anyway we can. Have you tried to talk to your dh about your feelings? Maybe you two need a night out, just the two of you, and have a nice long talk about your marriage. Tell him how you feel, don't hold back. I have done this w/ dh and things have dramatically improved. I hope things get better for you. You are a wonderful person and deserve all the happiness in the world.

Daniele: Thanks for sharing your experience w/ me. I have been on it for about a month. The anxiety has dramatically reduced. The only thing is I feel tired after I take the meds. I think I am becoming more tolerable to the side effects, b/c it's not as bad anymore.

Stacey: Wow, what an experience! I was at the end of my seat when I ready your post. Thank God everything turned out okay. I would be freaking out if that happened to me.

Valerie: I have wondered the same thing about when the twins are too big for the car seats. I guess I would just leave one twin in the house while I loaded the other twin. My garage is right off the kitchen. Hope Corey is feeling better. Maybe he is getting a tooth? Mine were getting up around 3 or 4 this week and were really whiney. Brady was up at 1:30am the other night and wanted to eat.

Speaking of teething: Both boys are cutting teeth and I feel so bad for them. They are miserable. I can see the bottom teeth under their gums. Those little hands are constantly in their mouths. Did anyone ever try the teething tablets?

Steph: I can't believe your boys have so many teeth!!!! And I was wondering if I should put the bumpers back on, too. MIne are always caught in the rails. I guess the SIDS risk is reduced once they start to roll.

Changing diapers a pain in the butt? Check!! Mine roll, squirm, grab their feet, etc, etc, etc.....

AndreaR: Thank you for your kind words. You are right, we are all wonderful mommies and we are all doing a fabulous job!! I just wish we were all closer....

Okay, gotta feed the boys.

Love to all,
Lisa

PS... DIdn't have time to change my slide, but wanted to share Halloween pics.
www.umbenhaur.shutterfly.com

Daniele'sTwins

11-04-2006, 11:34 AM

Stacey...OK, I don't know how I missed the whole locking babies in the car thing! OH MY God! i would have flipped. You make me want to be MUCH more careful about things! I am glad things are ok now.

OK SO LISTEN TO THIS ONE...Both my babies are sick so for the whole week I have spent my nights in the nursery taking turns soothing them, rocking them, etc. I have no problem with this because they are sick and who doesn't want thier mommy when they don't feel well. Then at 5am Luca wanted a bottle so I gave him one and put him right back to sleep then at 6 Nico called for a bottle. I turned to DH in bed and asked him to please take this one because I had been up all night. He told me that he couldn't because he had to get in the shower to get ready for work! Well, I FLIPPED OUT! He didn't have a Lipo until 8am but he had to run to two other of his offices for things he forgot or something! So I flipped on all the lights in the bathroom and said go for it. Well, he took a nice long shower and I fed and put Nico right back in the crib. (then they went until 7:45 and 8 how nice)

he is here...i will be back

vthompson

11-05-2006, 07:35 AM

So, I get this baby center thing in my email each week that tells what the babies should be doing developmentally. It said that you should stop feeding them a night bottle right before bed because they will associate sleep with eating. Now, I am all paranoid because that is part of our routine. We get ready for bed and then eat a bottle and then go to sleep. What are the rest of you doing at this point for nighttime routine? Should I stop feeding them before bed? AGHHH, I am so tired of feeling like I am doing something wrong!

Lisa - The pics are so cute!! Those boys look so serious! When they can talk, the things they will tell you! :)

Daniele - Interested to hear how the story ends with DH. How did he react?

Steph - I cannot believe how many teeth those boys have already!! Speaking of teeth, Corey has to be cutting one because he is SO CRABBY the past few days. He is drolling a ton and actually moans at certain points of the day.

AndreaR - That was so nice what you wrote! I feel the same way.

Sorry ladies, I really wanted to respond more but they are both yelling in the other room. Gotta go!

Valerie

vthompson

11-05-2006, 09:46 AM

Lisa - I wanted to tell you that I am so happy that the meds are working and you are feeling better!

Steph - My twins are mesmerized by the tv. I put a video in when I need to clean or get something else done to keep them occupied. I have even put on Disney or PBS. Do not feel bad. I really think it is the lights that mesmerize them.

Heather - What if you just planned a nice dinner at home together after the kids go to bed. Or, you could have someone come over and watch them and you could just go sit and have a cup of coffee together or go for a walk. It sounds like you two really need some alone time right now.

Mindy - The last thing I would ever call you is whiny! I would on this board crying every single day if I were in your situation. That is what we are all here for. I truly wish I could come and watch all the kids for you for a weekend so you could have some mommy time!!

Ok, I am going to nap...babies are sleeping and DH is going to get up with them when they wake up so I am taking advantage of the situation.

I am very anxious to hear about everyone's bedtime routines since now I feel like I am doing everything wrong!!

Valerie

swineland

11-05-2006, 10:25 AM

Valerie...

I truly think that with regard to an issue like bedtime routines you need to, and should, do whatever is WORKING for you and your babies. If giving a bottle before bed is yielding babies who sleep very well and only wake once or not at all, then who cares what babycenter.com says?? We as mothers are told so much stuff these days that "mothering" seems to have gotten into the hands of the wrong people. YOU know better than anyone what your babies are responding well to. Evan and Bailey get the 3 b's at night as well....bath, bottle, bedtime. Every night. (sometimes we skip a bath if we're worn out, but they at least get bathed every other night) The bath always comes before a nice big bottle w/cereal. After that, if they haven't fallen asleep already, it's blankets/soothies and rock until sleepy. My twins have not had any problems lately waking too often for food at night. They both sleep until 3 or 4, usually one will sleep all the way till 6, while one wakes for a bottle. I have seen no negative side effects of giving a nighttime bottle. I honestly think that if I DIDN'T give a nighttime bottle, they would be back up at midnight anyway, hungry for more.

You are doing a fantastic job as a mother....everyone is. If your babies are happy and "it ain't broke" then don't fix it!!

More later....gotta run :)

STeph

vthompson

11-05-2006, 12:38 PM

Steph - Thank you!! I loved your line..."if it ain't broke don't fix it". I am glad to hear that you follow the same bedtime routine as we do. I appreciate your wise words!! DH basically said the same thing to me. He thinks I am crazy for letting an article bother me so much. He is probably right! It is just that 2 weeks ago, everything was going well. Corey was sleeping without his carrier and both babies were sleeping usually until 5 or 6am. Then this week, they have both been getting up sometime after 1am to eat. I read this stupid article and it makes me think that it is my fault that this is happening and I better take away the night time bottle. Just when you think you have it figured out, they change on you!!

Valerie

LucasMom

11-05-2006, 02:13 PM

Well, I wish I had better things to report. Maybe I should just skip talking about me and go tot you guys instead. Thank g-d all three boys are asleep right now, although I know it won't last long. Things are going down hill super fast around here. I feel like I am on the verge of a breakdown. We are not even talking. No night away can fix things right now. The things that have been said and the actions this past week are not able to be taken back.

Val- I agree with Steph-Ain't broke, leave it be. Don't believe everything you read. If your babies are happy and sleeping (generally) keep doing what you are doing. It is so obvious that you are doing SO MANY THINGS RIGHT!!! Look how happy your kids are in their pictures!! They are too young to bribe with money or candy, so those smiles must be real! Don't be so hard on yourself, Val!

Steph- Miss you, girl. Just way too busy to have the minute needed to call you back. JC left for work yesterday at 6:30 and got home at 11, and this morning left at 6:30 again and won't be home until after 1 tonight. I am angry, miserable, furious, you name it. I need a break. I hope your little toothy munchkins are happy and well. Logan is a day aay from his first tooth. Poor guy, it's right there, but hasn't broken yet.

Dan- Waiting to hear the end of your story. I understand your pain, girly.

Lisa-Good to hear from you! Glad things are going better with you and DH. Still hoping to get together soon.

Of course, someone is crying, so back to work...

Later mommies
Mindy

JERSEYGEMINI

11-05-2006, 07:00 PM

Hi everyone. I love all the great Halloween photos. I was proud of myself for just getting all three kids dressed and out the door-- I didn't do much with pictures this year ! The babies loved going from door to door with their brother and the neighborhood kids.

Mindy (and Staci, too)- my heart goes out to you. I have recently decided that caring for twin babies is the loneliest job ever. My husband has been gone so much lately due to new job responsibilities and I have been alone with the three kids frequently (certainly not to the exent that you are, though!). It is exhausting. When he is home, he is not nuturing with them at all so I still feel like I need to do everything. I don't know what the answer is...talking doesn't seem to help, and then when the resentment builds, I think we both say things that we don't necessarily mean (or maybe say them in a nasty way). We did IVF, and part of me believes that he is just thinking to himself "well, she's the one who wanted all these babies". It would help if I had a better network of mommy friends to see during the week, but we are new to the area, and I don't even have time to socialize. The mundane chores of daily life and child care take up every minute!

Valerie-you sound like you have a great routine going. I think that mothers have fed their children before bedtime for thousands of years. I understand what all the "experts" say about the bed-bottle or breast association, but I bet that your kids are waking at 1 am due to a growth spurt. I don't usually nurse right before bed, and my son will wake up early like that for a week at a time, too, and then he'll start going until 3 or 4 am again. My kids are still a little off because of the time change, too.

Has anyone done away with pacifiers, yet? I'm wondering how long it takes to break a binky habit. My son has a love-hate relationship with his pacifier. He wants one to fall asleep, but I don't think he truly likes it and he is really lousy at keeping it in his mouth. Sometimes he even spits it out violently, but then two seconds later, he wants it back again and screams! It is driving me crazy. I feel too tired and impatient to try to go cold turkey and not give him one- he is a loud screamer-but sticking it in his mouth 200 times for every nap or bedtime is driving me crazy!

take care -

Jennifer

JERSEYGEMINI

11-05-2006, 07:53 PM

Ooopss--I need a nap-- I wrote Staci when I meant Danielle when referencing husband woes! Sorry Staci-- I hope that everything is great on the DH front with you! : )

going to bed now...

mmzill

11-05-2006, 10:40 PM

Mindy - I've been thinking of you alot throughout the past days. I know you are a strong womand and can handle whatever is coming your way. I'm praying for you!!! We are hear for you!

I think there must be a milestone to get over at this point. DH and I were not getting along very well either. Like the 7 year itch in a marriage maybe there's a 5 month something-or-nother with babies!

Last week I was at the end of my rope. DH seldom wants to spend money on us but I told DH I had to get away, we had not been intimate in months and I was exhausted of taking care of kidos. So I arranged for a sitter (overnight!!) and booked a hotel room....so we had a night alone for the first time since dd was born 2 years ago! I can't believe it's been that long. But it was so worth it. I'm still tired, but we are doing better. I was so worried about how the boys would do, but they did great! Nathan had a hard time with the bottle, but did take it and slept good for the sitter.

Valerie, don't worry about a bottle at bedtime. I still give dd one about 30 min before bed, but if I don't it seems she is so hungry in the morning and wakes up way too soon. My boys get fed right before bed time. They have been waking around 1 or 2 also. There must be a growth spurt.

Passies - we still use them. But sometimes I think that I put them in their mouths more than I need to. I'm working on weaning dd of hers now.

Well, I better log off. Got to get to bed. Love you ALL!!!!
~Monica

SunMoonMom

11-06-2006, 08:22 AM

Hi All,

I am new to the message boards and looking for moms who will understand what it is like to have twins... I think I finally found the right place.

My fraternal boys are 21 weeks now and are starting to really develop personalities. We have had a lot of problems with digestion issues such as reflux and gas. It is starting to get better but now we are going into the new phases...

Zachary started rolling over this weekend, but once he is on his stomach, he decides that he liked it better on his back but doesn't know how to get back there... The boys have always been easy to put to bed. Always put them down awake so they put themselves to sleep, but now Zach is rolling over every time we put him down and crying. I finally rocked him to sleep and put him down sleeping instead of getting up every few minutes to roll him to his back.

Both boys are teething and have been for about 5 weeks now. The gums are really swollen and you can see where the teeth are going to come in but man this seems to be taking forever. The boys are in so much discomfort and I feel guilty for giving them tylonal but if the oragel doesn't work I don't know what else to do. I don't want them to be in pain.

Okay, so I'm about done with my whining (I keep telling myself that many mom's of twins have it worse than I do.... my boys are mostly sleeping through the night and were a good weight when they were born). The only other thing I wanted to put out to the group is how do you handle going out in public and the massive amount of people who accost you to look at the twins... My husband refers to us as the Freak Show. We go anywhere and it takes twice as long because we have to allow for being stopped and asked about the boys... Don't get me wrong... We are proud of our boys but how many times can you answer the same questions...

1. Twins? (One day when the boys were probably 4-5 weeks old, I had no sleep and we had to go to the store... someone asked me if they were twins and I replied, "No.. We had one and I stole the other from the hospital... I felt bad but of course they are twins...)
2. A Boy and Girl... (Two Boys)
3. Identical (Nope... Fraternal)
4. How Old (put in age here)
5. They are big... how much do they weigh? (insert weight here)
6. You must be tired... Getting any sleep (yep... just not enough)
and it goes on from there...

Husband keeps saying he is going to make up cards so we can just hand them out instead of standing there answering questions...

I know people are just interested and it probably makes me a bad person for not wanting to talk to every stranger in town about my boys, but sometimes it gets very old....

Do any of you experience this in public or is it just my freak show?

Kerrie

swineland

11-06-2006, 10:27 AM

Welcome Kerrie....this is THE place to be if you are a twin mommy :) Lots of good advice and support.

You and Heather have both named your twins Ben and Zach! How coincidental is THAT!?

Public "freak show": I don't really think of it as a freak show. I think of it as more people who think my babies are cute and are showing us some love. If it's a creepy stranger and they, god forbid, attempt to TOUCH the babies, then that's a different story. But for the most part I tend to get only the best-intentioned curious folks. Don't get me wrong, I also get tired of the same questions, but at the same time it makes me feel proud to have so many people notice my babies, even if it does take an extra 20 seconds out of my day.

Well, last night was a first! Evan and Bailey both slept the whole night thru. They went down at 7:30, after each only eating about 3 oz's. They fell asleep and wouldn't eat any more. They ate again at 6am! I couldn't believe it!
Also, Bailey sat up for the first time today unassisted. I put him on the hardwood floor and he did the "tripod" and didn't tip over to the side.....I took several photos, will update the slide soon.

Gotta run......
more later...
Steph

LucasMom

11-06-2006, 12:08 PM

Jennifer- where in jersey are you? I am in Philadelphia.

Kerrie-welcome! Another Ben and Zach, so weird! This has become a great home to many of us, and I am sure you will love it here.

Has anyone read the April board? One of the moms has decided that she doesn't like the names she gave the twins (Erin and Jamie) and is petioning the court to have the names changed to Reese and Taylor or Payton and Quincy (both girls). What do you guys think of this at 7.5 months? Interesting.

Steph-Yesterday became hell, so I didn't have time to call you back. I am so sorry. I will call you on my way home today.

Monica-Thank you as always for your support. Glad you got a night away.

Dylan has decided his first word will be..."hey!" If you say to him "Dylan, HEEEYY, he will wait a few seconds, smile really big and say "Heeyy" in the cutest little baby voive back to you. Every time! Great party trick!

Back to work, Mamas...I am on my 5th cup of Starbucks already...Lucky they are free!

Hugs,
Mindy

swineland

11-06-2006, 12:20 PM

Mindy.....you KNOW what I think about the name changing. :woa:

LucasMom

11-06-2006, 01:20 PM

Steph---I am so totally dissapointed in you for taking the politically correct way out of this topic!!!:funny: I really brought it up hoping your answer would put a smile on my face!! I feel the same way. I brought it up as a topic of discussion at work today and everyone has been talking about it all day. I love the new pics of the boys. Too cute.

EBTwinz

11-06-2006, 01:57 PM

Steph: Forgot to mention to you that I let my boys watch TV. Probably an hour (or less) a day. When they wake up, they watch Sesame Street. For some reason, they love it. They get really excited when Elmo is on TV. Plus, I have the TV on all day, so I am sure they watch some Days of our Lives, Dr. Phil and Oprah, too! LOL! Also, love the pic of Bailey!

Kerrie: Welcome to the board! :sunshine: I get a lot of attention, too, whenever I take the boys out in public. SOmetimes I get annoyed, other times I just smile and answer the endless questions. I also get asked if they are a boy and a girl... even when they are both wearing blue. Poor Brady is going to have a complex when he is older. Everyone always thinks he is a girl. Also, mine seem to be teething for a long time, too. I can feel the little sharp edge under their gums and I see bumps. Plus they wake up from a deep sleep and just start crying while shoving their little fingers in their mouths. Don't feel bad for giving them tylenol. I give it to my guys all the time.

Name change: What the?????? I would never do that. But that is just me.

Okay, be back soon. Brady is freaking out on the mat.

Love,
Lisa

LucasMom

11-06-2006, 02:55 PM

Lisa- I know it's short notice, but as Dh is working this weeked, and my parents want to take Luke to see the new Santa Clause movie, would you be free either day to meet up for some shopping and major gawking with the boys at K of P?

Let me know...just thought I'd throw it out there.

Mindy

JacobsMom

11-06-2006, 06:11 PM

Last Friday I was trying to get out of town to drive 7 hours to Mississippi for my neice's bridal shower. I was already late leaving my house - had planned to pick Jacob up at 3:15 and head out - didn't leave until 6:30. Then I had a couple of places I needed to stop. Tate was crying almost the whole time in the car. He had just had a bottle so he wasn't hungry. I had to stop several more times to comfort him and see if he needed to burp. He was happy as a clam as long as I was holding him. Put him back in the seat, and he screamed. He finally gave it up and went to sleep and we headed on out of town. About 30 minutes down the road, Jacob needed to use the bathroom so we found a McDonald's and he ran in. Well as soon as the car stopped, Tater was awake and screaming again. By now it is 9:30 pm and I still have 6 1/2 hours to drive. I was only 41 miles from home after 3 hours! My nerves were shot!! I called my MIL and DH and said I was going home. I'd get up first thing Sat. morning and drive in - the party was at 2pm.

Friday night, Tate started coughing really bad. Little croupy/barking coughs. He kept waking himself up and crying, so James put him in our bed. He slept better lying on my arm. By Sat. morning, he was all congested and sounded terrible. I called the doctor and she said to bring him in. Trip cancelled. David was congested as well, so I had her check him too. She was very concerned about their breathing and had them do a breathing treatment in the office. She also gave them a steroid shot to reduce the inflammation in their airways. Poor babies. She sent me home with a prescription for oral steroids they have to take 2x a day, and I had to rent a nebulizer to give the boys breathing treatments every 4 hours. They do them with minimal fuss, thank God! They really fought it when they did the one in the office, but I think that was because they were aleady upset from her swabbing their throats and noses. She tested them for Strep and RSV - thankfully both were negative. She called it Bronchialitis.

The boys had a follow-up appointment today and are both doing much better. They are still wheezing a little, and Tate still coughs some, but not like before. She was very pleased with their progress. They have to take meds for 4 more days and breathing treatments for the rest of the week, but should be over it then. David is a whopping 18 1/2 lbs., and Tate is 18 lbs. 7 oz. I thnk David is determined not to give up that ounce! LOL!

Tate's awake and screaming again. Gotta go.

Stace

mmzill

11-06-2006, 08:00 PM

Stace - did you really mean that your boys are 8 lbs? They look bigger than that on the pics. Anyways - so so glad they are doing better! Glad you didn't make it out of town so you could get to the dr!

I think changing your kids names at this point would be really weird! I wouldn't do it.

Going out - our stroller really gets attention when we are out. It's like a train.....so I'm very used to looks. But they do annoy me. I guess I'm not real talkative to strangers. If I don't want to talk to people I just try not to make eye contact. (which actually is hard for me, because I like to smile at people)

Ok, not trying to bring up politics here......but EVERYONE should go VOTE tomorrow!

Have a good evening!
~Monica

EBTwinz

11-06-2006, 08:12 PM

Mindy: Saturday I am going to the Penn State game. I already promised DH b/c he wanted to go to the last game on the 18th, but I decided to go on that trip to NYC w/ my mom so he has to stay w/ the boys. Sunday dh invited some friends over to watch football. SOme of them have yet to meet the twins. But, I think I can get out of the party. Maybe I can talk dh out of it. Let me see what I can do and I will get back to you.

Lisa

sgarrett

11-06-2006, 09:09 PM

Hello Mommies!

Do not have much time just wanted to check in. The Orlando trip went well. It was crazy busy, sorry I did not call Heather but we had NO free time. It was so hard being away, whenever I called home my DH would put the phone on speaker he said the babies would get so excited and start smiling ear to ear. Sniff sniff, they missed me!

Started putted them in their room Saturday night, OMG it has been great, they are sleeping much better! I guess the doc was right, they smell you and wake up, weird huh?

Will post more later, just wanted to say hello, miss you all!

Staci

christel

11-07-2006, 08:46 AM

:sunshine: 'Morning Mommas,

Things have been insanely busy here. I've been lurking but haven't been able to post for a few days. I'm doing a lot of contract work and have had to go to some schools (instead of working from home) and leave the girls w/ a babysitter. I totally trust her, but I do not enjoy leaving Emme and Ruby at all. Also, the girls do NOT nap well while she's here. So, they're in a bad way by the time I get home. I have 1 more day this week & 2 days next week and then I think things will slow down until after the holidays. Bad for $$, but good for the girls.

Also, DH just resigned w/ his employer of the last 7 years and took a new job. This is a REALLY good thing :yippee: He has been trying to make a move for a couple of years and now it's finally happening. It's going to add about 30 min. to his commute, which means we see less of him :( and I know that he's going to be insanely busy for the first 5-6 months, learning the ropes, etc. I'm mourning the loss of time with him already, but know it's a good thing for all of us in the long run.

Noises - the girls are blowing raspberries like crazy:crazy: right now. It's really cute, but wet!

Freak Show - yep, we are a rolling side show act whenever we go out. Everyone's gotta make a comment. Even in BRU, and you'd think they'd be used to seeing babies. I got these t-shirts for the girls that say "Yes, We Are Twins (http://www.cafepress.com/buy/yes+we+are+twins/-/pv_design_prod/p_storeid.17947676/pNo_17947676/id_6460512/opt_/pg_/c_/fpt_)" and they wear them in public a lot.

Kerrie - Welcome :clap: Glad you're here.

Staci & AndreaR - diet buddies - Huge apologies for being a major slacker on the diet & staying in contact. I haven't been on the scale in a couple of weeks and I'm scared :sigh:

Holiday gifts - What are you getting for your twins for Christmas? Anyone thinking about that, yet?

:lovemytwins:
Christel

AndreaR

11-07-2006, 11:48 AM

Hello ladies -

Monica - I just came back from voting! I feel so patriotic when I vote (even if I don't always know who/what I'm voting for.......).

Ronit took the girls on an extra long walk so that I could go vote. I was there and back within 15 minutes. It's nice to have some peace and quiet and time to myself.

Stacey - I was wondering the same thing as Monica (about the 8 pounds). Your boys look so much bigger than that.

Kerrie - welcome to the board. It's always nice to know another mother of twins.

TV - I don't let the girls watch TV. Isabelle is mesmorized every time she sees it; Madeline couldn't care less. I totally understand that sometimes you just "gotta do what you gotta do" to get stuff done. My big parenting vice is driving Isabelle in the car to get her to take a nap. I feel like I'm just avoiding the inevitable nightmare, but for now it works.

Christel - congrats on DH's new job. No worries on the diet buddy thing, either. I've been eating Halloween candy and the girls' Christening cake for the past few days. I'm also afraid to get on the scale. my Isabelle LOVES to blow rasberries while she is eating cereal. It's like she knows it makes a big mess. She gets this little sparkle in her eye and sticks out her tongue and looks for my reaction before she even does it. It's toooo funny.

gotta go - the girls are back.

SunMoonMom

11-07-2006, 12:46 PM

Hi All,

Just checking in for the day...

d/h and I have talked about Christmas a little bit. I am pushing for the boys to get one toy each and leave it at that... They will only be 6 months old and as far as I can tell they won't know Christmas from another day. Plus this first 6 months with the boys has been so expensive that I just want to conserve where I can. The latest expense is 1400.00 + Doctor Co-pays for RSV vaccines. Don't get me wrong, I am so happy the boys qualified to get the shots but man that is a hit. Also suggesting to d/h that we don't get gifts for each other. He is staying at home now with the boys and we have just one income so the gift would be not spending the money.

On another topic and you are the ones that might understand if anyone will... Do you ever feel more connected to one twin over another. I love them both equally.. don't get me wrong, but when we first came home Zach was very gassy and cranky. I spent the first two weeks we were home holding him and comforting him. I really have a strong bond with Zach. Benjamin wasn't as cranky and d/h handled him a lot. Now that they are older, I feel like I missed an opportunity with Benjamin. I try to spend more time with him now but I worry that I will always feel a little closer to Zach because of that early bonding. Do any of you ever feel that way with your twins?

Okay, lunch time is over and I have to head into meetings. Everyone have a great day and enjoy voting!

Kt. (aka Kerrie)

JacobsMom

11-07-2006, 03:06 PM

Ohhhhhh GROSSSSSSS!!!!

The boys had both been playing in their exersaucers quite happily and then started fussing. Got Tate out first and changed and dressed him. Then I got David. I noticed there was something all over David's feet. Can you guess what it was? POOP!!! OMG! :eek:

He had a big poopy and all the jumping around in the exersaucer squished it out the side of his diaper! So there are three little piles of poop under the exersaucer and he's been hopping around in it! :funny: What a MESS!! I had to go give him a bath! Poor little guy. I gotta clean the exersaucer after I feed them.

I confess I still have brain lapses - The boys are now over 18 pounds! They haven't been 8 lbs since June! LOL! They are quickly outgrowing 6 months size clothes. They are bigger than Jacob was at 10 months!

Gotta go. Hungry babies!

Stace

vthompson

11-07-2006, 07:44 PM

Stace - I came on hear exhausted and not planning on posting...however, when I read your post, I laughed out loud!! I know it was gross...but that is hilarious. That is a story to tell his future girlfriends!

Welcome to the new twin mommy! We are so glad to have you on board.

Tons of attention when we go out - CHECK!!

Thanks to all the mommies for their advice and words of wisdom about our bedtime routine. Sometimes I just need a little pick me up! Needless to say, we are staying with our routine because that is what works for our babies.

Christmas - When we first got pg we talked about how we would not buy anything for the babies because they would be too young to know anything. Now that they are here, I have so many cool toys I have seen on TV that I want to buy them. DH and I need to sit down and get an Xmas budget going for the twins and for everyone else we need to buy for. DH did come up with a cute idea because we will not be able to afford to buy each other gifts this year. We are going to set a price and then each of us is going to pick out one gift for the twins, but not tell the other. Then, it will be a surprise on Xmas day...just as if we bought something for each other! I just thought it was a cute idea. Needles to say, every year we say we are not going to buy each other gifts, but then we always get each other something cheap. We will see what happens this year.

Ok, well I am SO tired...We have been crazy busy around here, lots of running around!

Talk to everyone later!

Valerie

christel

11-08-2006, 09:01 AM

:sunshine: Hi Mommies,

Big Poopy Mess- check check. Ten minutes before I had to leave the house yesterday, Emme had a monumental blow out in the JumperRoo (aka the JumperPoo). It was all the way up to her neck. Ewwww! It didn't get on the jumper, but that was the only place it didn't go. The first time we put her in there, she pooped out the side of her onsie and it plopped on the phone book (she was too short at first) she was standing on. Two perfect little poop swirls. We threw the phone book away. Now, if she's backed up, I just put her in the J-Roo. Seems to work like a charm.

Christmas - I like your idea, Valerie, about the surprise gifts for the babies. I'm going to mention it to DH. I've asked family to do diapers for stocking stuffers for the girls :D Knowing my Daddy, he'll buy at SAM's, so we'll get a bunch :yippee:

Bonding/Connection - I do feel more connected to one baby over the other sometimes, but it constantly switches. Like yesterday, it was Emme, but the day before it was Ruby. Does that make sense? Kt, maybe if you take a weekend and spend some extra time w/ Benjamin and let DH take over w/ Zach, it would help you feel a little closer? I understand what you're saying, though. Ruby is my trickier feeder and I have to work a lot more with her and I worry about missing interactions w/ Emme because of it. On those days, I stagger their feedings or naps a little so I can spend some one on one w/ Em.

Staci - nursery sleeping has worked out a lot better for us, too. After a month and a half, I'm finally confident to turn off the video part of the monitor and just leave the sound on :crazy: The girls have done great, I'm the freak-out. I'm so glad your babies are adjusting well :yippee:

Travelling - Anyone hitting the road for T-giving/Christmas? We don't have travel swings, so that's out. They haven't used their bouncers in months, but those are more portable. How much baby paraphernalia should you take?

swineland

11-08-2006, 09:28 AM

Testing.....see if this works:xfingers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHRgK5zAN3M

newmomx2

11-08-2006, 09:44 AM

I have been missing in action for ages..I feel like I have been an ostrich with my head in the sand and just in the last 2 weeks I can come up for air...

I am back to work full time (although using vacation to be off on Friday's). I am still breast feeding so I run around and pump 3 times a day at work. The boys are finally giving up the last feeding at night and on occasion I get more than 2 hours of sleep.

DH works crazy hours so I am dropping off/picking up and on my own till 7:30 at night so I feel like a single mom sometimes....

The boys are getting so big - they are about 15lbs.

I saw all the notes about xmas - I have only 1-2 small items I am letting the grandparent's and aunt's uncles doing the buying - our house is to small for to much stuff.

Hopefully I can begin to post more often.

Take care everyone !!!

mmzill

11-08-2006, 09:50 AM

Steph - loved the video! They are getting so good at that sitting up stuff!!! Yeah!!!

Ok - screaching kids - go to go

JERSEYGEMINI

11-08-2006, 09:56 AM

Hi everyone! The gross poopy stories are great. I haven't broken out the jumping equipment yet so now I know what to look forward to!

KT- I had a similar bonding experience happen with my twins. Mason was colicky and irritable for the first 12 weeks while Isa was an angel. Now you think that you'd favor the angel, right? I felt much closer with Mason until only recently. I guess it is all the hours you spend agonizing over the grumpy one. I read a great article at parenting.com about how mothers often develop especially strong bonds with difficult babies, and how we should try to remember this when you have been trying to comfort your little one for three hours to no avail! About two weeks ago, I fell madly in love with my daughter, though. Her personality has started to really emerge and she is such a little love! Now I have to make sure that I give Mason enough kisses!

Christel- we're going to Miami for 4 weeks over the holidays. I need to pack light and I have no idea what to bring. They change so quickly that I don't know what they'll like in another month.

I'm not sure what we'll buy for christmas. We're also counting pennies as I'm not working this year (and possibly next year if we can swing it!), and we've decided to send DS to private kindergarten next year (many NJ public schools don't have full day kindergarten- it's ridiculous). Maybe a jumperoo? I'm not very into to high tech toys, though...electronic music drives me crazy. I used to take the batteries out of all of DS's toy and my mom would scold me b/c "nothing worked". So far, the best entertainment for the twins has been watching my 4 y.o. run around playing pirates 24/7. They'll probably be swinging swords as soon as they can hold them...and I thought I'd never have any toy weapons in my house...serves me right.

Steph- my oldest never watched TV until he was 2 1/2 y.o. HOWEVER< the twins have watched TV since the first day that they came home from the hospital! What are you supposed to do when you have an older child who watches Disney channel in the morning and Berenstein Bears every afternoon? They honestly don't seem any worse for it, though. They are both seem to be happier babies overall than my DS was....maybe it's the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse every morning :)

Mindy- Is there anyway you could work part-time or work one day from home? I know this isn't possible if you are a big time exec or something or if your company doesn't allow PT schedules. This doesn't necessarily solve the problem of your DH working so much, but maybe you would feel more comfortable. One of my good friend's just dropped to four days a week b/c she felt she "wasn't managing anything well" as she put it. She was worried about the pay cut, but now says that she will never go back to working 5 days. I think that when I do go back to work, probably next year, I will try to stay at three or four days. We live near Summit, NJ - about 30-40 minutes outside of NYC. We are an hour and half from Philly. I wish you lived in beautiful NJ:crazy: ! It is so nice to talk to someone in person. I just met a twin mommy while I was out running errands yesterday-hers were 10 months- but it is funny how you instantly have a million things to talk about !

Both the twins started rolling over from front to back and back to front last weekend. Now they can't stop themselves-it's so cute! I have to watch out for those hard wood floors, though. I have had both of them roll right off the carpet and then bonk their heads HARD.

Alright-they're both crying upstairs. They always wake up at the same time.

Jen

mmzill

11-08-2006, 10:16 AM

Nathan is such a little screamer, well it's more of a screech. It's really cute he just carries on and carries on.

I have worried about bonding with one more. Anthony came home from the hospital first, so at first I was more attached to him. But now I seem to spend more time with Nathan - him being smaller I feed him more and he is not out of our room yet at night. So he ends up being in our bed most of the night. I think it switches off for me too.

Anthony slept from 9 pm to 7:30am!!!! yeah!!!!!

For Christmas we are not getting the boys much. We are traveling to Orlando to be with dh's family. But our experience with dd was she was not really into gifts. I started the tradition with her to get an ornament each year, so we did that for her. This year for her thoug is a little different. Actually her bday is the end of Nov. and since we are going to be home then we are getting her a Kitchen set and then not getting so much for Chirstmas. Back to the twins though . . . . we are going to let family get most of the gifts for the boys. And we will get them something small.

WEll I hope you all have a good day!
~Monica

newmomx2

11-09-2006, 07:05 AM

Not sure who asked but I am actually negotiating a reduced schedule so I am off every Friday permanently it is what i need to have the proper work life balance...

Okay very excited last night both slept 8 -6 with only 1 binkie replaced at 3am WAHOO - it is amazing what a night of sleep will do...

DH is always complaining that I am a B**CH well if he got up all night then hauled 2 babies to and from day care plus worked full time in between we would be tired and grumpy to - all he has to do is get up go to work come home (plays video games don't get me started on that one) okay I will stop complaining.

Gotta start my day meetings from 9-4 but the boys are here today so I get to stop by the day care and play with them YEAH

vthompson

11-09-2006, 09:05 AM

Can someone please call Corey and tell him to stop getting up every night to eat between 1am and 3am? This has been going on for almost 2 weeks now. DH and I are exhausted...and we take turns getting up! I do not understand why he keeps getting up. I even beefed up his night time bottle last night...I have him 8 ozs with cereal in it. He still got up! He usually eats a 6oz bottle. However, when he gets up in the middle of the night, he has been eating 7-10 ozs, so I have to guess he is hungry, not just in the habit right?

Lisa - Every time you post about your IL's, I get so aggravated for you. Why can't they spend the holiday at your house with your parents and the twins? And sleep over? That is ridiculous! Can you just start a tradition where you spend Xmas eve at one family's and Xmas day at the others? I would be so annoyed if I were you.

Steph - The video was adorable! I cannot believe how strong those boys are!

Well, I wanted to write more, but I have been so tired lately that I have not gotten anything done around the house so now I have a bunch of chores to do. Plus, it is supposed to be 66 here today so I want to take the babies out and run errands!

Valerie

JacobsMom

11-09-2006, 12:51 PM

Found the slide directions

1. Login into www.slide.com
2. Click on "myslide" at the top of the page
3. Click on "add to webpage" next to your slide show
4. Click on "can't find what your looking for? Try here" on the right
5. Copy the code from this section, it should be only 470 characters long

Good Luck!

Hey Gals,

Finally took the time to make a slide, and now I can't post it. I did the directions above, but I still get the error telling me my signature cannot be over 500 characters. Any suggestions?

Stacey

Christmas Mouse

11-09-2006, 12:56 PM

So many sweet babies...

swineland

11-09-2006, 06:21 PM

Where is everyone?? Quiet on here.

Well, my IL's are in town having flown in from Maryland Tuesday night. They will be here until Monday and then my mom is coming up on Tuesday. I'm so glad to have the extra help around here!

The boys are as squirmy as ever and little Bailey is giving me a run for the money. He is ALL over the place. Rolling, squirming, kicking, arching his back. It's ridiculous. I mean, he DOES sit still at times, but when it's time to change a diaper, give a bath or sit in his highchair...forget it.

Old Navy is having a crazy good sale right now. All the clearance was an add'l 50% off! We got so many cute pants, tops, sleepers, etc for the boys. I like their clothes b/c they aren't so "frou-frou" for little boys. I like how they are more modern and understated.

Well, I gotta run, was hoping to post more. I'll try to tomorrow.
Miss you all!
Steph

newmomx2

11-09-2006, 07:44 PM

Wow - I can't believe how much some of you say your babies roll around mine can go from front to back and vice versa but don't very often! They are content to sit and play in one place for now - guess that will change soon !

Wow some of your babies eat allot that is great - mine just increased to 5 1/2 ounces - they just have no desire for more !!

Valerie - if Corey is getting up and eating that much then I would say he is hungry not just habit. always go with your gut. Funny my Corey is the one that is more reluctant to give up the midnight feeding !!! I nurse for 5 min and put him back to bed - sometimes it works sometimes not !

Have a good weekend ladies.

EBTwinz

11-10-2006, 10:20 AM

MIndy: Sorry, I can't make it this Sunday. I tried everything to get out of dh's party but we just found out last night that one couple w/ one yr old twins is coming, too. So, I have to be here w/ my twins. I am really bummed. I wish we could have met this weekend. What about some time in December? The next two weekends are out for me but December is open. I could do some holiday shopping. Just let me know.

~Lisa

christel

11-10-2006, 10:26 AM

I am going a little insane… Ruby is having feeding issues that have been happening off and on for the last 2 weeks. She takes the first ounce or 2 easily and then becomes agitated, dodges the bottle or breast, cries, etc. We burp her and try her again, and she cries and dodges and swats at the bottle. It's taking upwards of an hour to get 6-8 oz down her. She's hungry and cries if the food is put away and cries when it's offered. The last few days, we've only had successful, non-combative, feeding sessions when she's asleep and eating on auto-pilot.

I talked to our pedi and she said that either Ruby isn't hungry or she's uncomfortable while she's eating... probably reflux. So, she called in a RX for us. DH will pick it up on his way home from work. She said it can take a couple of weeks for the meds to really start working. :banghead: I can not wait that long! I'm afraid Ruby will quit eating all together b/c she's so frustrated.

We've had problems w/ her off and on from the start and tried a number of other things with some success, but now... It's got to be reflux b/c we've ruled out everything else.

Anyone else have their babie's on meds? What kind? How well does it work? How long did it take to work?

SunMoonMom

11-10-2006, 12:06 PM

Both of my boys have been on medication. Zachary was on Axid and did well. He is now off of it and hasn't had any problems. Occassionally he will refuse the bottle but I think now it is his gums that are bothering him. Benjamin could not tolerate Axid. Increase his intestinal gas 10 fold. He is now on Prevacid. So far I haven't really seen an improvement. We have also switched bottles 4 times and tried at least 6 formulas. We are now on Good Start Soy.

Ben spits up a lot and normally becomes irate about 15 minutes after feeding. We burb him constantly... my dh is sick of me asking "Does he have a bubble" We ended up having an upper GI for Ben after he had a meltdown at the Dr's office. Everything looked normal. So I guess that means he will just have to grow out of it...

I can tell you that Axid and Zantac are about on the same level. You have to give those multiple times a day but both come in liquid forms. The Prevacid is given only once a day but comes in tablet form that you have to dissolve in water and then give. Big pain in the pants but better than having to give it multiple times a day. When Zach was on Axid, we actually figured out that he was getting better because my dh forgot to give him his morning dose several times so then we backed up on the dosage overall. Then slowly weened him off the medicine.

Another thing we are dealing with now in regards to feeding is that the babies just want to look around more. We chase their mouths all over with the bottle which seems to bug them greatly. My husband told Ben last night that the bottle stays in one place and if he wants it he can get it... Ben smiled and then turned his head as far away from the bottle as possible. My dh rethought his plan and moved the bottle to Ben. The boys have also started smiling while eating which is precious but we spend a lot of time saying "no smiling, eat" which makes them smile more... Of course, these are both problems that we are very glad to have.

vthompson

11-10-2006, 01:43 PM

So, Corey decided last night to get up every 4 hours...yes, every 4 hours. I seriously cannot handle it! I am exhausted all the time. I feel like it is never going to end.

Now, they are both upstairs screaming because I put them down for a nap. They are not hungry, have been changed, just over tired. I just do not understand. Some days, they go in their cribs and have no problems for naps. Other days, they scream and scream and scream. Today, I am just not in the mood...my patience is very low.

Don't get me wrong, I love these babies with all my heart. Somedays are just more aggravating and try my patience then others I guess.

Zantac - Kayley is on Zantac and has been since she was 1 month old. Just recently, I did not give it to her for 2 days and she started crying and wrenching while she ate. I gave it to her again and she was much better. It does take time, though. I periodically do not give it to her just to see if she still needs it. I figure how else would you know?

Newmomx2 - Those Coreys!!! I swear the boy gives me a run for my money everyday! I think our babies were born only a day or two apart. How ironic!!!

Well, I have a million and one chores to do, as usual! Talk to everyone later.

Valerie

vthompson

11-10-2006, 02:56 PM

Lisa - That is too coincidental...afternoon naps around here are he**, too! I actually dread them now! Maybe our twins have been talking lately on how they can aggravate us! They must have excluded Kayley in their discussions, because all in all, she is a pretty happy baby!! :sunshine: Well, I take that back, she is in her excersaucer yelling right now!

Valerie

Daniele'sTwins

11-10-2006, 05:45 PM

I'm Back! Sorry about the long delay on the end of the story...but basically I went NUTS on him that morning! I told him that I feel like I would have the same life if I was a single mom AND that when the boys are a little older I am going to get a boyfriend (NEVER would I but I just wanted to say that):funny: . Then I wrote him an email telling him how he makes me feel and how upset I am and what a great wife I am to him!:crazy: Well, he called me after reading that appologizing and telling me how much he loves me. Things are getting better now. He has been trying a LITTLE bit more. But a little bit is A LOT better then nothing right. I have to give credit where it is due.

I haven't written because like Stace BOTH of my boys were sick. They both had ear infections poor things! Life was miserable here for a while. DH spen the whole day with us in the house Sunday and the boys cried the whole time unless they were in MY arms. That's right I had to hold and carry around two 18lb babies. They wanted NO part of him. I guess when you are sick who doesn't want their mommy.

TV...I WISH my boys were into it. I do not look down on people that let their kids watch it, especially those videos because they are educational for them. If my boys liked them then they would watch them everryday.

Pacifiers...my boys don't really use them anymore. Sometimes in the middle of the night I try to give it to them but they have just been spitting it right out.

Kerrie...welcome. I have read many places that it is very common to have a bond with one twin more than the other. I can tell what a good mother you are just by admitting it. I feel like sometimes I am a little over the top with the "Even Steven" thing. I am paranoid that I may give one more attention then the other. I think it routes back to my childhood with everyone favoring my bother over me.

Changing baby names...I don't want to judge anyone because I am sure that mom had very good reasons but I would never do that myself.

Christel...Congrats to your dh, that is fabulous news.

Christmas...DH and I have decided on NO GIFTS for the boys this year (except I bought them baseball cards) because they have everything they need. Plus, I have a huge family that I know will spoil them with gifts. When they understand Christmas I will get them more but I am still not going to go overboard. DH and I are also not exchanging gifts for Christmas this year because we are finishing our basement and we bought all new furniture for our living room. That will be our gifts to each other.

Steph...I didn't get to see the video, I went on that website but I didn't see your cuties!

Lisa...I HONESTLY WOULD FLIP OUT! I know this is personal and you do NOT have to answer it if you don't want to but are they part of the reason for you to be taking Lexapro? I on;ly ask because that was one of the MAJOR reasons I did. Everytime we would visit my SIL I would have an anxiety attack...she is SO mean! Especially after me and DH got engaged. She didn't even hide her feelings. When DH showed everyone my ring ( I wasn't there) and told them he would be proposing she flipped out that my diamond was bigger than hers! Can you believe it??? Not even joking around she was mad and she told everyone! From there it just got worse, I could go on forever but it brings me down. I just stay away as much as possible from her.

Mindy...How are things going? Maybe you should try the letter to. I know you will probably say it wouldn't make a difference but even just letting yourself release your thoughts onto paper will help you, even if you never give it to him. (the counselor in me, sorry)

OK, I am going to finish making my dinner. I just recently lost 4 more lbs. I am only 5 more away from pre pregnancy! :clap:

Love you Ladies!

JERSEYGEMINI

11-10-2006, 06:39 PM

Hi! I only have a minute, but I wanted to tell Christel about OTC Mylanta Supreme-- it has worked wonders in our house with both the twins. It is more temporary relief than the prescriptions, but in case you want to try something milder first, you can give 2 to 4 ml of Mylanta up to three times per day. The supreme does NOT have aluminum.

For anyone adding cereal to the bottles-- how much do you add? I am new to formula, and I am scared to death to add anything to it, but also DESPARATE for some sleep. Mason keeps waking up at 2 am and 4:30 am to eat, and he eats (nurses) a ton. I give him a bottle before bed, though. I've been giving him some cereal and pears around dinner for the past few weeks, but it doesn't make him sleep any longer. How long does it take to out grow that middle of the night feeding?? My daughter has not needed it in ages! I can't remember what my DS did....

Danielle- you have REALLY cute boys! They are going to be heartbreakers.

good night!
Jennifer

Daniele'sTwins

11-10-2006, 08:14 PM

Jennifer...Thank you so much! I think your babies are adorable too! Isabella has always been my favorite name for a girl by the way. As for the cereal...I give a teaspoon for every 2 ozs. I put it in every bottle because my doctor told me to because of their reflux. My boys are also on Zantac twice a day (.8ml). I suggest using Oatmeal instead of Rice because rice can be binding.

Good Luck!

christel

11-11-2006, 08:32 AM

So, we got a Zantac RX for Ruby. The dr. origianlly said it would be Prilosec or Prevacid, but b/c of her age/size/etc. and the unstability of the P-meds, we got Zantac instead. It appears to taste horrible and I think I'm going to disguise it in some apple juice for the next dose to see if it will go down easier. Yesterday was a little better. We gave her the rice added formula (AR Lipil) and the meds. She BF this morning (refused to yesterday) and then cried through her bottle feeding but ate her solids ok.

Danielle & Valerie- do your babies mind the taste of Zantac? Do you get it flavored?

Jennifer - I asked my dr. about Mylanta and she thought Ruby's symptoms needed something more aggressive. I wish we'd tried it a couple of weeks ago, though.

Cereal in bottles - what size/kind of nipple do you use? Do you blend the cereal in the formula or just stir it in? Are you constantly cleaning out clogged nipples during the feeding?

:lovemytwins:
Christel

Daniele'sTwins

11-11-2006, 02:43 PM

Christel...For the Zantac I just throw it right into their bottles. The Pharmacist said that was fine just make sure they finish those bottles. I give it to them in their first bottle in the morning and their last bottle at night because they always finish those.

As for the cereal in the bottle I put a teaspoon in for every 2 ozs. So if I am making a 6 oz bottle I put 3 scoops of formula and 3 tsps of cereal (Organic Oatmeal) then I just shake it up. I use Dr. Brown's Y-cut nipples so no, it never clogs.

Hope I was some help!

JacobsMom

11-12-2006, 02:13 AM

:yippee: It's been a big week for my little guys!

Wednesday - both boys cut their second tooth! (bottom right)

Thursday - Tate rolled over (front to back) during our photo shoot at Sears - first time since September!

Today - David rolled over (front to back) for the first time ever, then did it again. About the same time, I put Tate on the floor and he sat up for like 2 whole minutes all by himself - this was his first time and he never even wobbled. He just sat there like he'd been doing it his whole life. :clap:

Yeah my babies!!

TV: Tate especially gets mesmerized by the TV. It doesn't matter what is on, I guess he just likes the flickering and movement. The TV was a life-saver when I had to do their breathing treatments. They just sat on my lap and stared at the TV. I'd pull the highchair into the dining room so the other twin could see us and watch the tv too. We usually watched Blues Clues or Wonder Pets. They really seem to enjoy the Mozart Baby Einstein DVD. This is the only show that I actually plant them in their bouncers in front of. At the beginning they are kicking and waving their little hands and squealing. It is so funny! But about half way through, they either get tired or bored with it and start fussing to do something else. The first tv show I remember Jacob actually reacting to was TellyTubbies. He would laugh and laugh at them. He was about 1 1/2 at the time. I was so glad when he outgrew them. He went through a Barney stage too, which nearly killed me! LOL! Although it did bring tears to my eyes the first time I heard him singing along with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star during one of the shows.

Bonding: I think I swing back and forth between the boys sometimes. I know when I was pregnant, everybody worried that Tate was going to automatically be my favorite. That is my maiden name, and I knew I was going to name a baby Tate whether it was a boy or girl. Whenever we talked about the twins it was "Tate and the other one". We didn't agree on David's name until after he was born - DH wanted David, I wanted Mark. (It took me about a week to stop calling him Mark after he was born. LOL!) I think when they first came home, I actually bonded a little more with David since he had jaundice and had to have special feedings, and more blood tests, etc. I overheard my DH tell David that he knows he shouldn't say this but he thinks he likes him more than Tate! I asked him why, and he said he thinks David has more personality than Tate. My MIL calls Tate "Mr. Personality". Maybe Tate is just a bigger flirt and turns on more charm for women! I get pretty much equal response out of both boys. I am more likely to hand Tate off for feedings though - he is a lot more prone to spitting up!

Well, I gotta get off here. It is after 2am and I have to be up about 6:30. I have been trying for 3 weeks to get to church with the twins and haven't made it yet. We have to leave the house at 8:30 am, and the boys don't usually wake up until 8:00 so it's a little difficult! We have been attending services on Sunday nights for over a year, but decided we wanted to switch back to Sunday mornings. James and Jacob have made it, but so far me and the babies haven't gotten it together in time.

Later,
Stacey

p.s. still can't get my SLIDE to work! GRRRR! :gr:

newmomx2

11-12-2006, 10:19 AM

Well yesterday was a rough day for napping for us as well - today doesn't seem much better - not to mention last night was HORRIBLE - somebody was up all night !

I think that when I nurse on weekends (after pumping so much during the week) they don't quite get enough - it appears the time is coming to start to ween a few feedings this makes me cry to think about - I was so proud to make it this far and working...oh well - I will experiment a bit this weekend and see what happens

Zantac- my little guy Tyler was on this and I just stopped cold turkey on Wed so far so good - for anyone who weened their baby how long till you were sure they didn't need it anymore?

Well gotta go - both babies are screaming - I am praying they nap so I can join them:clap:

vthompson

11-12-2006, 01:07 PM

It is so funny to me how we all seem to experience the same aggravations at the same time! Last night was he** for us, too. Corey, of course!! Then, we just spent almost 2 hours trying to get him down for a nap! I am so freaking tired. DH slept in today so when he got up I went and took a nap...that is our new routine on Sundays. For whatever reason, I woke up after an hour and could not fall asleep even though I am so exhausted! If you cannot sense it, I am very annoyed!

Well, the babies went to see DH coach his first hockey game yesterday. The moms of the players were all over them! They did pretty well. Corey started to get very tired and crabby about a 1/2 hour before we left to go home. It was past his bedtime, though, so I figured he wouldn't make it. He has another game today at 4:15 that I will probably take them to. It at least gets us out of the house.

Starting tomorrow, I have to take these stupid classes from 7-11pm Monday-Friday. I need them to become county certified for day care. I have one certification, but if I get this next one, I get a pay raise for the little boy I watch. It is very annoying because I have a bachelors in Early Childhood Education and a masters in Teaching. They will not waive any of the classes for me. Half of the classes are on standards, parent relationships, etc. All of the areas I have plenty of experience in! It is going to be miserable...taking care of babies all day and then going to these dumb classes at night. Oh well!

Zantac - Kayley HATED it for a long time. We used to just shoot the syringe into the back of her mouth and she would gag. Then, we tried pointing it into her cheek and now she does much better with it. I feel bad that we did not figure that out earlier.

Well, I thought Corey was sleeping, but he is crying AGAIN! This child is so stubborn.

Valerie

newmomx2

11-12-2006, 05:03 PM

As I type Corey is screaming his head off AARGH..

So you will all appreciate this - I FINALLY got both boys to sleep at 11:30 and was expecting to take a nap - I look out the window on the way to the bedroom(I had just showered and was in lounge pants slippers and hair wet) and I see my in-laws (they live 1 1/2 hours away) pull up out front....DH goes oh yeah they mentioned they might stop.....hello would have been nice to mention - they had friends with them they were 'passing' through and wanted to see the boys - I said well they just laid down and I am not waking them up sorry...fortunately they only stayed for 30 minutes...and then I went to take my nap and Tyler woke up ....AAAHHH

Oh well I am off work again tomorrow (this was a 4 day weekend) so I am excited to spend one more day with the boys :)

Probably won't be on again until later in the week - happy monday ladies

JERSEYGEMINI

11-12-2006, 08:54 PM

Hello!

Daniele- thanks for the cereal instructions. I put cereal in the bottles last night and Mason slept until 4:30 am! I had FIVE uninterrupted hours of sleep! I didn't even wake up out of habit. I just hope it wasn't a fluke. HOWEVER- the bottle+ cereal did not agree with Isa. She cried horribly after drinking her bottle and then spit up a huge, white, mucousy bubble . :eek: Sorry- probably too much information, but I was scared that something terrible was wrong with her. I guess I'll just hold off on the cereal for her. She usually sleeps anyway.

Christel- I used the playtex ventaire + stage 2 nipples for our cereal feedings, and they didn't clog. I hope the Zantac helps Ruby!

NewMom2- that is very normal that your milk supply isn't quite enough to satisfy your babies on the weekends because pumping doesn't stimulate milk production as much as the babies actually nursing does--I have heard that supply usually diminishes overtime when pumping. It is great that you nurse on weekends. You should feel so proud of yourself for pumping and BFing for 5 months! That is hard work especially when you need to take time at work to pump ( I did that with my first son found it very difficult)... I am a BFing mom and staying at home this year-- my milk supply still couldn't keep up with the babies' needs. Mason is 17 1/2 pounds! He just eats and eats...I recently made the decision to give him bottles during the day and continue to BF his sister (she drinks 4 oz at a time while he drinks 6-8 oz ). I BF them both at night, though. Now, I have more than enough milk for Isabella. Mason seems to prefer the bottles (they fill up his tummy faster!) so I don't feel that I am slighting him. I found that replacing even one feeding with a bottle during the day really increased my milk supply.

Sorry to hear about the nap problems- it hasn't been that awful in our house, but it does seem like it is taking longer and longer to get them tofor sleep. A miracle happened at bedtime tonight, though. I laid Mason in his crib completely awake while I was attempting to nurse his screaming sister. He feel asleep on his own from a wide awake state. His just babbled to himself for ten minutes in the dark room and dozed off. :clap: Usually, I have to rock him until his eyes become heavy, and then I set him down. I am going to start laying him down earlier.

Hope you all have a great week!

Jennifer

vthompson

11-13-2006, 06:34 AM

Good Morning Ladies!

Jennifer - The Baptism pics are precious!

Missy - I agree with Jennifer, do not put yourself down for your b/f issues. You should be proud of yourself! I am in awe that you are still pumping and b/f, especially at work. That is hard. You are doing a great job!!

So, last night, Corey got up several times. However, he did not full out cry, was just whining. We did not go in and pick him up and he would eventually stop and fall asleep. He went down around 8pm and this started at 11pm! The first time took about 20 minutes. Then, the other times were much quicker. We decided that if he does the whiny cry then we will wait and see if he falls back asleep. If he full fledged starts crying then we will feed him. We did this on Saturday night, too. Eventually he really started crying and we fed him 10ozs and he went back to sleep. We will see...I am sure it is just a fluke. I am hoping it is not!

I have so much laundry to do! YUCK!

Valerie

p.s. Where has Ters, Jill, Sherry been? It seems like they have been MIA for a long time!

SunMoonMom

11-13-2006, 08:44 AM

Hello Mommies...

First wanted to say thank you to everyone for sharing their bonding experiences. Ben and I took a nap together yesterday and I've noticed that he is smiling more at me with each passing day. Not to say that Zach and I haven't spent some quality time together but its important for me to make that connection with Ben too...

My MIL and AIL (aunt in law) are coming over today so dh was a cleaning fool yesterday. He is a stay at home dad and he is much more domestic than I am, so he does most of the housework. I am the luckiest girl in the world. Yesterday, I watched the boys while he did his world-wind cleaning fit. I have to say that I need my MIL to come over more often. I could not stop raving last night about what a great job he did and how much I appreciate his hard work around the house. I guess from years of watching my dad and other fathers not show appreciation for what hard work it is to keep a house and balance the kids, I just wanted him to know that I appreciate it. I kept offering to help yesterday around the house and his reply was that I would just get in the way. So the boys and I played in the floor and watched football... Man, our roles in our home are so reversed.

TV - yep, we have always let the boys watch TV. I have to say that we might regret it later but in the beginning when they were so little there wasn't much to do between changing diapers, feeding and getting them to sleep so we watched a lot of TV (Thank God for TiVo). I have noticed that the boys are fascinated with sports. They love to watch football and baseball. I think that it is the color and movement. One night during the World Series, Zach would not go to bed. He would whine and whine. We brought him into our room where the game was on and he immediately calmed down. Everytime we would turn him away from the game, he would whine. I asked him who he was supporting and smiled. We finally just turned the game off and I rocked him until he was drowsy. My dh can't stand sports and in the last two months has watch more than his entire life.

Night Time Crying - Last night, Ben started to whine (not really his cry - he is a screamer so anything less than ear drum shattering is just a whine) at about 2:30a. It was about the time I got up to go to the bathroom. He did it for about 2 - 3 minutes and then stopped. We have talked about it and unless the crying is full force, we are just operating under the assumption that they will go back to sleep. So far it has been working.

This weekend both boys slept from 8:30p - 7a Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Life really does look brighter when you get a little sleep.

Well, I have to get to work. I hope everyone has a great day!

Kt (aka Kerrie)

vthompson

11-13-2006, 09:24 AM

Kt - We are currently trying the same sleeping routine..unless full force crying, then we will wait and see if he falls back to sleep. That is great that your DH is such a huge help. As for reverse rolls, it seems to be really working for you guys!! That is great!

Missy - I just realized the name of your post was "Those Corey's". Too funny!!!

So I got an email saying that a friend of ours is going to be on the news tonight. They are doing a special on stressful jobs. She is a stay at home mom with twins that were born 2 weeks after mine. However, she is one of those types that makes it seem like everything is perfect. She never admits that anything is stressful. You would think she had the perfect babies, the perfect home life, etc. Even during her pg, everything was perfect. DH and I used to laugh because then I would come on here and talk to all you ladies and no one was having the perfect pg all the time. Well anyways, I am very interested to watch the special and see how she portrays her life. If she acts like everything is perfect and non stressful I am going to puke!

Valerie

sgarrett

11-13-2006, 02:59 PM

Hello Mommies!

Sorry I have been MIA, I have been crazy busy at work and home.

Babies are doing great, Isabelle rolled over from back to tummy for the Nanny once a few days ago. Neither babies have rolled over from tummy to back yet, anyone else? They laugh all the time now, it is so sweet. They get so excited when they see me, it makes my heart melt everytime. At least once a week I still start crying when rocking one or the other b/c they are soo darn sweet and I love them so much!

Aunt Flo finally came to visit with a vegance! Geesh, do not want to be gross but I thought I was hemorranging! (probaly spelled wrong)

Mean SIL: Danielle, I would have to tell you mean sis in law "Gee I do not blame you for being upset about my diamond, it OBVIOUSLY means my husband loves me more!" Lisa - I would have to buy your Bloomingdale SIL a WalMart gift card for Christmas!

Mindy: I was so sad to read your emails. I cannot imagine doing this all by myself. If your DH only realized what he is missing out on right now. I understand career is important, but you will never get these days back. He is going to look back one day and realize how much he has missed.

Crying babies: It comes and goes, some days they sleep great, some days they are up every few hours. They really seem to know if Mommy needs to get up extra early and like to wake up alot on those nights.

Steph: LOVE LOVE LOVE Old Navy baby clothes! We spend over $300.00 there weekend before last all on baby clothes. They are soo cute. I always like the shrunken grown up clothes best!

Where are all the other missing Mommies? Felisha, Sherry???

Take care,

Staci

AndreaR

11-13-2006, 05:27 PM

hey there gals,

i posted a long post last night, and it's not there. i think maybe i clicked on "preview" instead of "submit." anyway, now i don't really have time to post. things are going well, but these girlies sure are keeping us on our toes. it's all good, though. i'll try to get on later tonight and post again.

xoxo
andrear

JacobsMom

11-14-2006, 08:37 AM

Can't get my slide onto my signature. Gonna try to post a link to it:

http://jacobsmom.slide.com/p/5/Sweet+Brothers?referrer=emcd

christel

11-14-2006, 09:25 AM

Hey Everyone,

Thanks so much for the info/shared stories on refluxing & meds. Poor Ruby :( She has really been kicking my butt the last few weeks, but I can't be upset b/c she's hurting. The Zantac is not fun to give. Danielle, thanks for the tip b/c the only time we've given it to her w/out protest was in a bottle. She drools it out and gets mad when we give it in the syringe. Rice in the bottle is a total bust... she hates the texture, I think. She'll suck on the Y-cut nipples but won't actually take anything out and swallow. We're having better luck w/ #2 nipples and AR formula or #1 nipples and regular stuff. I SO want to get this figured out so she can just be a happy little baby all the time. She is whenever she's not having to eat.

Ruby's also teething like crazy. She's knawing furiously on everything in site and I think I can feel something on her upper gum?? I thought the lower ones always came in first. She doesn't like the cold teething rings so I've been giving her a cold washcloth to chew on and it works better.

She woke up at 1AM, 3:30AM and 6AM and my a$$ is grass. I'm mainlining coffee right now.

Happily, Emme is doing great and being SO patient. She's been the textbook Baby-Wise baby since all this started up w/ Ruby. I'm feeling like she's getting neglected a bit, so I staggered their naps yesterday and spent as much one-on-one time w/ her as I could. She was so excited, smiley and giggly.

I gotta share these pics in big form, not slide show... I took them yesterday.
Emme
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e318/snelsonc6896/DSC00013.jpg
Ruby
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e318/snelsonc6896/DSC00017-1.jpg

DH makes fun of me b/c of the ginormous bows I put on them, but I :throb: it!

Staci - AF came back w/ a grudge for me 2 weeks ago. I hear ya, girl! I decided I was giving it one more day to slow down and then I was going to call my OB. Fortunately, it did. I was always a 2 dayer w/ minimal discomfort and light flow and NOW... 7 days and super absorbancy all the way. Hope things go back to normal soon, but I think I may have to redefine normal.

Yay for all the Rolling Babies!:clap: :yippee: :funny:

swineland

11-14-2006, 09:35 AM

A quick hello before I start my day. :coffee:

The boys have slept through the night 4 of the last 5 nights.....I'm so excited about this new trend! Of course, I always know that with milestones like this it's one step forward, two steps back. SO, I'm sure the sleepless nights will return for a short duration before being gone completely. But I'm still happy :)

Kt, I see you are in Milwaukee. My entire family is from Wisconsin! All of my grandparents and my mom and dad, aunts and uncles. They're from all over....Hartland, Waukesha, Kenosha, Milwaukee and lots and lots of them are in Racine. Anyway, just thought I'd mention it. I haven't been up there since a family reunion in 2003. I used to go all the time to take care of my grandma who lived by herself in Racine. She passed in 2002 and I no longer have a reason to get up there.

Well, I better get going......on to watch Desperate Housewives and The Bachelor :) Yes, I watch the Bachelor.

Love to all...
Steph
p.s. Evan is getting two more teeth this week....crazy

vthompson

11-14-2006, 11:47 AM

Christel - I LOVE your pics!!! I hate to say it, but Ruby looks so mischievous in that picture!! She looks like she has a secret she is hiding! Too cute!

Steph - I was wondering where you have been lately! It has been so slow around here. Congrats on the sleeping! You are so right...1 step forward and 2 steps back.

Jacobsmom - Your pics are adorable, too!! All 3 boys and their red hair are too cute! The professional pics turned out really good.

So, last night Kayley got up at 1am and Corey slept all the way till 6:30am! I could not believe it!! My mom watched the twins last night...I had class and DH had a hockey game. My mom watches them usually when we need someone so the twins are pretty used to her. However, Kayley gets really upset when she comes over and I start to get ready to leave. She sticks her bottom lip out and cries a very sad cry! It makes me feel so bad. Could she realize at such a young age that her parents are leaving?

Valerie

SunMoonMom

11-15-2006, 08:04 AM

Just wanted to post a quick question before I start my day...

My boys are about 5 1/2 months old now, but still don't really interact with each other. They have finally started to look at each other and when play with them together they will smile but other than that there is no real connection between them. Are they still too young to really interact or do you think I have given birth to Cain and Abel?

My sister and I were never close (not twins of course) and I am terrified that the boys will have the same type of relationship. I guess I am projecting some of my regret about my sibling relationship, but I so desperately want to encourage a strong bond between my boys...

Just wondering what you are observing with your twins.

Kt

megzmom

11-15-2006, 08:45 AM

I wrote a long post and ugh it kicked me offline!!!

Sorry I have been MIA. TOo crazy at work and my computer at home isnt connecting to the free server.

KT-too cool that we have the same names and mine were born at 36.1 on June 2nd. My best friends bday is the same as yoru boys. I spell my Zack with a K.

Cool growth chart online http://www.verybestbaby.com/CoolTools/BabyGrowthChart.aspx

and cool baby sign language cards
http://welcomeaddition.com/keepsake.aspx

Sitting up-Zack check. Only for a few seconds but it is soo darn cute.

Bumbo-check. Got one finally. Boys love it

Highchair-check,check. DH suprised me and got them for the boys. They attach to the dinning room chairs. Zack and Ben like them even though they tilt a little in the chairs. Poor DD. SHe lost a chair and now has a foldable one. She thinks its cool.

PP-Zack has found his. :clap: During diaper changes he is everywhere wiggling. Until the diaper comes off them bam, he reaches right down for it.

Diapers-Sworn to Pampers swaddlers but had to move Zack into a 3 and I didnt like the look of the cruisers. So we bought the new huggies kind. They havent leaked in 2 days. Unfortunatley BJs doesnt have the new Huggies yet.

Been so long... I forgot all the other posts that I wanted to respond too.

I really missed you ladies.

mmzill

11-15-2006, 09:16 AM

Well, I just posted a long post and it got deleted somehow! grrrr!

Sorry we have be MIA. We are good. My mom is visiting for 2 weeks. I have been enjoying that alot.

Ok, I'm so tired today. Bummed that my post got deleted. Oh well!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day!
~Monica

mmzill

11-15-2006, 10:34 AM

Lisa- about the PP creeping you out. It seems like everytime I change the boys and wipe off their PP they laugh (like it feels good...) That really makes me feel odd. Thankfully the diaper changing will stop before they really remember anything!!!

I'll miss you too! I hope you have fun!!

AndreaR

11-15-2006, 11:42 AM

KT - my girls are just starting to interact with eachother, too. they were born on june 1. up until now, if they heard the other one crying or making noise, they would look up like, "who is that?" now they seem to recognize eachother and smile when they see eachother. it's all very recent, though. don't worry too much about their relationship. i'm sure you're providing a loving environment (not that you didn't have one growing up), and they will have whatever relationship is right for them. i'm hoping that maddie and izzy will be best friends, but you just never know. they are sooo different right now.

finding the peepee - all of my nephews used to grab theirs when they were naked. isabelle has recently started to put her hand down there when i take off her diaper. i'm sure if there was something to hold on to, she would grab it!!

is anyone having a tough time teething? my girls both seem to be teething (drooling a lot and putting everything in their mouths), but maddie is miserable. she is on tylenol around the clock. she doesn't even want to drink her bottles (although she's happy to eat the cereal off the spoon??). i have to put her pacifier in ice water and let her suck on it for a minute, then i put the bottle in her mouth and she drinks for a minute, then we switch back. i read online somewhere where people recommended hyland's teething tablets. a friend of mine said they were good, too. i asked my pedi's office about it and neither the nurse nor the doctor that was there (not our doctor) had heard of them??? is anyone here using them?

still having napping issues, mostly with isabelle. i just can't get her to fall asleep on her own. she has to be in the car or the stroller. once in a while i can get her to fall asleep nursing, but she wakes up if i try to move her. then i'm trapped!! luckily she goes to bed fairly easily at night. they both sleep pretty much through the night most nights, so i am grateful for that. maddie is still sleeping in our room. dh and i are just putting off the inevitable of putting them together in their room. now that we are all getting a good night's sleep, we don't want to mess with it.

also, we have no daily schedule. we have a routine, but not any set times. since izzy is nursing and maddie is not, they are on different feeding schedules (maddie every 4 hours, izzy every 3). so they take naps at different times, too. it's so frustrating, because i never know when i can count on them being awake/asleep. any ideas?? does everyone else have their babies' on the same schedule?

we are feeding cereal 2X a day (2 TBS of Oatmeal) and they love it. izzy gets hers with sippy cup of water. she doesn't drink much, but she loves trying. i'm hoping i'll be able to get her to drink formula or expressed breast milk out of it if i need her to. we are planning on waiting until 6 months adjusted to start veggies. that will be around the middle of december.

they are just growing out of 0-3 months. i went through all of their clothes the other day and weeded out the small stuff. a lot of 3-6 months are too big, but some brands fit. it's nice to have new things to dress them! and it's a little sad to have to put away some of our favorites. we really did get our $$ worth with the 0-3 stuff.

well, that's pretty much it. it was nice to be able to spend some time here. it's been a long time. i miss you ladies.

xoxo
AndreaR

SunMoonMom

11-15-2006, 11:58 AM

We are having an awful time with teething. The boys are drooling constantly and grabbing at their gums and pulling. They are putting anything and everything in their mouths. My husband and I are about at our wits end. We talk about doing surgery to cut the darn teeth out. Zach is having very runny poops and is whining a lot more than usual. We have the teething tablets but haven't used them yet. My sister overused them with her son (basically used them to knock him out) and that left a bad taste in mouth... So I think they are fine if used in moderation but I'm not sure I can bring myself to use them.

My dh stays at home with the boys and doesn't even attempt naps. If they fall asleep that's great but if not then whatever... So I get home from work to overtired boys and then I have to jump in to rocking the boys to get them to sleep for at least a little while before feeding them again. I am about to recommend to my husband that he pick a time in the afternoon to take the boys to their room and put them in their cribs. If they go to sleep good, if they cry then let them cry for a little while, but try to get a schedule started. I just feel like every night my time with the boys is limited because I know that if I don't get them to nap a little before their 6pm feeding that getting them to bed will be a nightmare because they will be so tired they won't be able to shut down...

mmzill

11-15-2006, 01:15 PM

I used teething tablets with dd - they really seemed to help. I didn't give her that many though. She really liked them - and even now if she sees them in the diaper bag will want me to give her one.

megzmom

11-15-2006, 02:00 PM

okay I asked last time but didnt write it down. I have my calendar next to computer...

When were your babies born (and names) I want to keep track.

PP-I used to get freaked out but I knew all little boys do it. I laughed so hard when Monica said her boys REALLY liked it :)

Okay love ya guys. Good to be back.

vthompson

11-15-2006, 03:49 PM

Hello Everyone! I just wanted to stop in real quick and say hello. I am not having such a good day...for whatever reason, I am very emotional the past two days. I just feel like a needy little girl...does that make sense?

Lisa - We are definitely on for Monday. I do not have any money to buy anything but it will at least be fun to get together and chat and have lunch! My classes are dumb, but not as bad as I thought. Mostly, I am just exhausted from taking care of the twins all day, trying to get everything done so the evening runs smoothly without me, and then not getting to bed until after 11pm. Maybe that is why I am so emotional!

Monica - I love the leaf pics. They are adorable! Your boys look so strong. My twins do not hold themselves up as well yet. You will be missed on Monday!

Heather - My twins were born May 27th...Kayley and Corey

AndreaR - I have tried to establish a napping routine. They usually get up around 6 or 7am...and then nap 2 hours later. Then, they get up between 10-11am and nap 2 hours later. However, our afternoon naps are usually not as successful. I try to run errands in the afternoon just to get a decent nap out of them. Otherwise, they are miserable in the evenings.

Ok, wanted to respond to everyone, but I have to get dinner ready and finish homework with James...that is the boy I watch after school. He is actually looking over my shoulder right now laughing at all the icons on the side!

Valerie

sgarrett

11-15-2006, 03:59 PM

Teething: Lots of slobber here too, I feel there gums everday to see if something is coming through. They love to gnaw on a damp washcloth, trick I remebered from my older son.

PP: Oh ladies just wait it gets worse! Aiden has not started yet but I used to be scared Chase was going to pull the darn thing off! He would pull on it so hard! Hmm I wonder how humiliated my 17 yr old would be that I just typed that? BTW he had his 1st basketball game of the season last night and he kicked major a$$! I was so proud! The babies did well at the game to, I was worried about the noise. But I did have to fight off 100 grandmas that kept wanting to touch them! Geesh, it makes me feel like a b*&#ch to have to tell sweet little ol ladies not to touch, but I do not want strangers touching them!

Birthdays: Aiden Byers and Isabelle Grace were born 6/13/06 at 36 weeks and 6 days. I miss the tickers on everyone' s signature.

Have a great day!

Staci

Jillmami

11-15-2006, 06:47 PM

It's been so long since I've posted! I have been checking in from time to time but have been busy with work, the babies, and my mom's memorial service and then relatives, etc. We were out of town for a week down near Santa Cruz. The babies were terrific. Noah got his first cold and milked all of the attention from his great aunts. Mom loved it because I was able to take long showers and naps that week! :yippee:

It is wonderful to see how terrific everyone's babies are developing. They all look awesome!! Well, I'm off to pump and get dinner ready. Hopefully I'll be able to post more regularly at my 3-4am pumping sessions.

Noah and TJ born at 27.4 on March 12.

christel

11-15-2006, 07:02 PM

So, Ruby had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day…

We emailed her dr. again this morning because the Zantac hasn’t seemed to do a thing for her feeding problems and she’s down to drinking about an ounce and then refusing to go further without major pain signals. Because she’s a preemie, the dr. wanted to rule out anything major before treating her for severe reflux. She ordered a metabolic panel, an upper GI and chest and abdomen x-rays and got us in today.

Ruby was already hungry and tired and had to get blood drawn. She’s got my veins and they had to stick her twice. The worst part for Ruby is being held down because that’s what we’ve had to do to get her to eat, so she associates it with the reflux pain. She screamed and fought during the blood draw and DH had to be the bad guy.

At the imaging center, I stepped up to play mean mommy and held her down for the x-ray. That wasn’t too bad because it was fast.

The upper GI was horrible. She had to drink 2 ½ oz of barium and was strapped to a board that rotated. I had to hold her arms up around her head and someone had to hold her head and her feet and it went on for 15-20 minutes. I lost track of time. She screamed the entire time, first mad, then scared, then tired and then mad all over again. She wouldn't suck on the bottle nipple so the tech sqeezed the barium down her throat while she screamed. It was everything I could do to not hit that woman and scream and cry. I know they were doing their job, but my baby was scared

But Ruby is such a resilient and amazing little girl. As soon as she was unstrapped and settled down she was smiling again! And then she slept all the way home.

The tech said that the upper GI looked clear. They didn’t see her refluxing because there wasn’t enough in her tummy to come back up, but they also didn’t see anything else wrong. We didn’t get a whisper from the x-ray tech, but are believing that everything is good there, as well as with the blood draw. Our dr. called in a Prilosec/Reglan compound and we picked it up on the way home and started her on it tonight. It’s flavored and Ruby doesn’t mind it like she does the Zantac.

I just want her to not hurt when she eats.

sgarrett

11-15-2006, 08:28 PM

Aww Christel I am so sorry for your horrible day. Poor Ruby and poor Mommy! I will say a prayer that the Prilosec works. It is a terrible thing to see your baby hurt!

Jill: Your pics are so darn cute I want to reach into my computer and kiss those cute cheeks. What little dolls. I am glad you had a good trip and got some rest!

Aiden has started going total nutso in his Jumparoo, it is fricken hilarious! He was having a total spaz attack in it today, and the next thing I know I turn around and he fell asleep in it! He is such a nut, he always cracks me up!

Isabelle new thing is trying to say WOW. We say it to her so much that she is trying to imitate us. She makes the cute little O with her mouth - she is so precious and sweet.

Have a good night everyone!

Staci

LucasMom

11-15-2006, 11:09 PM

Mommies, Mommies!!!!

Still here, although I have not read the posts for last few days. Explain more later. Everyone is well and hanging in, just crazy!!! Miss you all so much!

Logan Briscoe Nunez
Dylan Benjamin Nunez
Born May 18th, 2006 at 36 weeks 3 days

Miss you all, write more when I have 5 minutes.

Steph- I saw your email, and I'll call you soon. Miss you, Mama.

Mindy

SunMoonMom

11-16-2006, 12:21 PM

Crazy night last night.

Ben was up every hour with teething pain. He would sleep for an hour and then wake up screaming. My dh was up with him almost all night. I had to be at work this morning so he let me sleep and even then I only got about 4 hours.

Tonight we are going to try the teething tablets. The tylonol and orajel just aren't cutting it right now.

Its just so frustrating and I feel so guilty that my dh had to be up with him. I go home after work and immediately jump into taking care of the kids. So I try to give him down time but with being the only income there was no way I could have done what he did last night. He was the one telling me to go to bed but I still feel like such a loser for leaving him to the screaming baby.

Well, lunch is over and I have to get back to work. Several fires that have to be put out, meetings to attend and all while trying to keep my eyes open.

Hope everyone else had good nights...

christel

11-16-2006, 12:51 PM

My dr. called and all the tests came back normal She wants to see Ruby for a weight check in 2 weeks, too. Roo's had a better day (like it could have been worse than yesterday!). Eating has gone better and she's taking her 2nd nap right now. She did wake up at 4am to eat, but that was expected b/c she missed a feed due to the upper GI. Between 4 and 8am she ate 11 oz! So, I guess she's all caught up :clap:

Heather - my girls' info is in my siggy

Staci - Emme's a spaz in the J-Roo, too :yippee: It makes me laugh every time!

Twin Interaction - just starting to really pick up now. They smile at each other and have recently started to coo and "talk" back and forth. Sometimes they hold hands, but I think that's b/c there's something there to grab. I like it, though :)

Naps - mine go down ok, but getting them to stay asleep is the tricky thing. Speaking of... I hear Ruby crying...

:lovemytwins:
Christel

vthompson

11-16-2006, 02:01 PM

So, I heard, what I think, is the most ridiculous thing last night in my class. If you allow your infant to chew on themselves (i.e., hands, feet) or your own finger, they will become biters in a few years and bite other children and adults. The teacher actually tried to say that as soon as they show this type of behavior you need to tell the infant to not chew on themselves and then redirect their behavior to a teether! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!! I even said..."so, you are to do this with infants that are like 4 or 5 months old?" She said "Absolutely"! Maybe I am offending someone that also feels this way, but I think it is so ridiculous!!

Ok, enough of that...I guess it just amazes me when it comes to early child education and how many so called opinions are out there! All through college and then when I was teaching, it just seems like everyone thinks they are an expert. It is annoying!! Ok, really, I am done venting now!!

Staci - I was cracking up at your pp post and your son!! I am waiting for Corey to "find" his! I figured with boy/girl twins the topic of boy/girl parts will come up very early in their life!

Sunmoonmom - Sorry you are having such a terrible time with teething. It seems like such a painful process for a little baby to go through! Hopefully, the tablets work.

Christel - What a terrible day...I am glad things are better today and yeah for the results!! The title of your post was cute...isn't that in the title for a children's book? It has been awhile since I have been in the classroom!!

Gotta go!! Talk to everyone later.

Valerie

cpl

11-16-2006, 06:07 PM

Hi! I'm new here. I've been reading for a while, but I guess I'm a little shy and haven't posted yet.

My boys, Ammon and Gideon, were born May 30. They were born at 33 weeks and spent 3 1/2 weeks in the NICU.

Right now, I think they're teething. They've been pretty cranky lately and drooling all over the place. They are usually chewing on their hands or anything else that happens to be near their mouth. Unfortunately, they're not coordinated enough to kept teethers in their mouth very long. If I tried to keep them from chewing on their hands, I would just about have to hold something else in their mouth all the time. Just wouldn't work.

My boys have been having runny poops too. Last night they woke up at 1 with poopy diapers. Today their schedule is all messed up and I feel like I'm running low on patience.

Both of my kids roll from their backs to their stomachs, but not the other direction. They seem to really want to sit up, but can't do it on their own yet.

Well, I should try to figure out something for dinner,

Charlotte

christel

11-16-2006, 07:05 PM

Valerie - yes, it's called Alexander's Terrible...Very Bad Day and he keeps threatening to move to Australia. I was just waiting for Ruby to pipe up and ask for an airline ticket!

Charlotte - Hi and welcome! My girls spent 4 weeks incarcerated in the NICU. They're trying to teeth, too, and are hand chewing machines. Ruby can hold the link rings forever and chews on those. The regular teethers get too heavy, I think, and she drops those. Try a cold wash rag, too, light and easy to hold.

:lovemytwins:
Christel

vthompson

11-16-2006, 09:45 PM

Charlotte - Welcome!! My twins seem to be teething, too...actually, it seems as though it has been going on forever! They put everything in their mouth, including each other (lol). When we have days where the schedule is off my patience is also low!

Ok ladies, where is everyone lately? I hope people are not leaving for good!!

Valerie

SunMoonMom

11-17-2006, 07:48 AM

Welcome Charlotte - My boys are teething too... We had an awful night Wednesday with it but last night was better. We tried the teething tablets and let me tell you Mommies, they work. I also switched from Tylonol to Motrin at night before bed. It lasts longer and might help them stay comfortable longer... Just last night Ben held a teether for longer than a second... Of course, he likes to chew his pacifier but has the tendency to take it out of his mouth examine it and then not be able to figure out how to get it back in...

Speaking of rolling over... Both boys are now rolling over. Zach did it first and he can roll to his tummy and then back again. Ben just started this on Wednesday night (Wednesday was crazy all the way around). Even though Ben didn't roll until about two weeks after Zach did it, he seems to be better at it. He can roll in ever direction and if we didn't have the play around gated he would roll all over the house. I guess we have now entered the next stage of our lives... Babies that can transport themselves. Just a hop, skip and a jump to crawling then walking... Can't wait!

Hope everyone is having a great morning!

I just wanted to say how comforting and reassuring to know that I can come here and vent, share and celebrate with other mothers who understand what it means to not just have one little life growing in leaps and bounds but two. Thank you for being here!

JERSEYGEMINI

11-17-2006, 09:43 AM

It is hard to catch up around here if you're gone for a few days! I just read through the posts really quickly. We've had a rough week b/c the twins got there 4 month shots and have been so uncomfortable+ TEETHING. They have been sleeping terribly at night.:banghead: The doctor said that she can't feel teeth yet, but the drooling and chewing are out of control. Mason is 17 1/2 lbs and 26 1/2 inches-crazy! Isabella is only 14 lbs! KT- they just started noticing each other last week, but they don't play together. They mostly smile and try to grab each other's faces.

Valerie-that is the craziest thing I've heard in a long time about not having babies chew on their hands. It is an important stage for oral-motor awareness which leads to speech! (also for understanding HOW their hands work). I've been moody and wanting some extra attention lately (not that I'm getting it!). I think the lack of sleep and cocoon of childcare that is my daily life is getting to me a bit...

Hi Charlotte! Hyland teething tablets are GREAT (I think you mentioned these, christel). They are a somewhat temporary relief, but it's better than nothing! I got some at whole foods after my SIL recommended them. They are homeopathic and I have no idea how they work, but they definitely do something.

AndreaR- I am BFing one and bottle feeding the other- they are on different feeding schedules, but still nap at the same time (generally). They are sleepy 1-2 hours after they wake up, then 2 hours after their first nap, they go down again, and then 2 to 3 hours after their second nap, they take a third. They usually nap at 10:00, 1:00, and 4:30 for about an hour each time. I asked the doctor if it was strange that they still napped 3 x a day, but she said that many babies do this until 6 months. Does anyone else's babies still take three naps?

The babies are eating a ton! The cereals are constipating them so I've switched to pears (the favorite), sweet potatoes and squash. I have been putting oatmeal in Mason's bedtime bottle, though (Christel-he didn't like rice cereal either). He slept until 6 am for the first two nights that I did this, and now he is back to waking up at 3 am. I don't understand.

Christel- It's horrible what you and Ruby have gone through. I hope she feels better soon. My Dr. said that they usually outgrow it by 8 or 9 months so maybe her reflux will decrease soon. You are doing a great job- it is a grueling experience to go through that sort of testing with a little baby.

Is anyone going to do some sign language with their babies to bridge the gap until they start using words? I did a few signs with my DS and it helped lower his frustration level so much. I would like to teach more signs to the twins. If I ever have a minute, I'll look for a book online.

The twins are awake! The hours goes by so quickly...

Hope you have happy weeks-
Jennifer

Jillmami

11-17-2006, 11:16 AM

Jennifer, regarding cereal and constipation... our ped. told us to use barley since rice and some others can cause constipation. Not sure if you care to try that or if you already have; but it might work.

Haven't used anything for teething. I know with the Orajel, they say babies can swallow a bit of it which could cause a mild numbing sensation in their throats. I have heard good things about the teething tablets from other moms. Noah and TJ slobber lots and put everything in their mouths, but no signs of teeth yet.

They are both sleeping from 9pm until 7-8am and they wake up just once to eat. It's nice to get some sleep however they aren't getting enough to eat now during the day. So we are bulking up with the bottles to get more frequent feedings.

Noah is rolling over like a pro from tummy to back. Only a few times though from back to tummy. Could be due to the fact that he does not like his tummy!

Hope you are all have a relaxing Thanksgiving. Don't let your families stress you out too much. Appreciate each moment and holiday that you have with them. (Sorry for the gloom, this will be my first Thanksgiving without my mom so it's a bit sad for me.)

Enjoy!!

SunMoonMom

11-17-2006, 11:37 AM

Jill - My mom passed away in 2004. I still can't get used to not having her around during the holidays. Here bday is 11/27 and it was always important to me to make Thanksgiving and her bday good for her...

I understand your pain... I wish I could say that it gets easier but I can't...

Just hold on to those babies because they help relieve some of the sadness...

Kerrie

megzmom

11-17-2006, 03:16 PM

Cool growth chart online http://www.verybestbaby.com/CoolTools/BabyGrowthChart.aspx

and cool baby sign language cards
http://welcomeaddition.com/keepsake.aspx

I really missed you ladies.

Jennifer-Big into wanting to do sign language. Luckily so is dh. There will already be bilingual(french) MIL is from Canada and that is all she speaks to him.

Books-I know alot of you had said you read to the babies already. YEAH!!! Have you bought any "twin" books? I got some that other twin mom's from the orlando group had and they are so cute. One even has Zack's name. I just switch the other name to Ben :)

PHotobooks-Broke this Christmas so I wanted to get both grandmas photo books from the first 6mths. Has anyone made this online before? I uploaded a bunch of pictures from kodakgallery but not sure if there are any recommendations???

Jill-I really hope that you are able to find some joy in this season. I pray that you have some peace. I couldnt and dont want to imagine your mixed emotions right now. I love ya!

Crazy thoughts-lately I have watched to news too much. Too many parents are hurting their children (NO I am definately not going to). Just the opposite. I am soooo frightened?Anxious? Not sure the word but worried about loosing my kids to something. Crazy person, illness... Horrible morbid thoughts. I shake right out of it but its happened too many times lately. I know if this is normal or should I go see my pastor or dr? Havent told dh.

sgarrett

11-17-2006, 04:00 PM

Heather:

I have always had the same type of weird fears, had them with my first son too. I used to have terrible nightmares about getting attacked by weirdos into pregnant woman when I was preggo with Chase. I think it is just b/c I am a worry wort anyway and can not help but stress over losing something I love so much and feel protective of.

Babies freackin gotta go!

Staci

Jillmami

11-17-2006, 05:51 PM

Heather: Someone told me that Costco has pretty inexpensive baby photo albums to create and have printed. For a hard back, linen covered book of 20 pages and up to 240 pictures, it's $29.80. You can do personalized captions, decide your own photo layout, etc. It's actually referred to as a "photobook". Here is a link to some info. http://www.mypublisher.com/products.php You actually use a program called "My Publisher" that is very easy to download and use. I downloaded it but haven't really delved into it too much. A friend created/ordered a book and said that it turned out beautifully.

THank you to everyone for the wonderful thoughts/sentiments re: my mom and the holidays. I sincerely appreciate each and every one of them.

AndreaR

11-17-2006, 07:52 PM

Charlotte - welcome! It's always nice to have another twin mommy with us. 'though I'm not around as much as I used to be or as much as I'd like to be.

Heather - my girls, Isabelle & Madeline, were born on June 1. We got a book about being twins, but it's a really big book with paper pages and lots of words. I haven't read it to them yet. Right now, we are mostly using board books. I love Sandra Boynton and anything else that rhymes. I heard that rhyming is really good, but I can't remember why. The only books with paper pages that are currently in our rotation are "Madeline" and "Isabelle and the Angel." And I think those two will always be in rotation. LOL

Jill - it's nice to see you here, too! I love your slide. TJ and Noah are so beautiful. I can't believe how big they are! I'm so impressed with your b/f'ing and pumping. You really have so much to be proud of with those two cuties.

Funny pumping story - I rented a hospital grade pump while I was in the hospital. I rented it for five months, which has now passed, so I contacted the place where I rented it to let them know I'd be returning it soon. The woman said, "did you take a picture of the pump for your babies' photo albums?". She was completely serious. I replied, "no. Actually, the pump and I didn't have such a great relationship." I really grew to hate that thing. If I did take a picture of it, I'd put it on a dart board!!! Some of those lactation ladies are just a little off... no offense - really - especially to Sherry's mom. I actually get a kick out of them.

ASL - totally, totally, totally want to do it. DH isn't quite as enthusiastic, but I figure I'm the one who's with them 90% of the time anyway. I'm hoping he'll get into it once he sees them doing it back. I know a few signs from my sister, and I have a book with signs for things relating to eating. Right now we do "shoes" "eat" "cup" "all done" and "thank you."

DH just came up to tell me he rented "The Breakup" so I gotta go! Hopefully the girls will stay asleep! I'll try to respond to everyone else soon.

Have a great weekend everyone!

xoxo AndreaR

AndreaR

11-17-2006, 07:53 PM

Charlotte - welcome! It's always nice to have another twin mommy with us. 'though I'm not around as much as I used to be or as much as I'd like to be.

Heather - my girls, Isabelle & Madeline, were born on June 1. We got a book about being twins, but it's a really big book with paper pages and lots of words. I haven't read it to them yet. Right now, we are mostly using board books. I love Sandra Boynton and anything else that rhymes. I heard that rhyming is really good, but I can't remember why. The only books with paper pages that are currently in our rotation are "Madeline" and "Isabelle and the Angel." And I think those two will always be in rotation. LOL

Jill - it's nice to see you here, too! I love your slide. TJ and Noah are so beautiful. I can't believe how big they are! I'm so impressed with your b/f'ing and pumping. You really have so much to be proud of with those two cuties.

Funny pumping story - I rented a hospital grade pump while I was in the hospital. I rented it for five months, which has now passed, so I contacted the place where I rented it to let them know I'd be returning it soon. The woman said, "did you take a picture of the pump for your babies' photo albums?" She was completely serious. I replied, "no. Actually, the pump and I didn't have such a great relationship." I really grew to hate that thing. If I did take a picture of it, I'd put it on a dart board!!! Some of those lactation ladies are just a little off... no offense - really - especially to Sherry's mom. I actually get a kick out of them.

ASL - totally, totally, totally want to do it. DH isn't quite as enthusiastic, but I figure I'm the one who's with them 90% of the time anyway. I'm hoping he'll get into it once he sees them doing it back. I know a few signs from my sister (who was really successful with her two kids), and I have a book with signs for things relating to eating. Right now we do "shoes" "eat" "cup" "all done" and "thank you."

DH just came up to tell me he rented "The Breakup" so I gotta go! Hopefully the girls will stay asleep! I'll try to respond to everyone else soon.

Have a great weekend everyone!

xoxo AndreaR

AndreaR

11-17-2006, 07:54 PM

sorry about the double post.......

vthompson

11-18-2006, 06:37 AM

Andrea - I want to see the Break Up so bad!!! Dh and I just have not found time to watch it. Was it funny? I heard it was pretty good.

Jill - I cannot believe how gorgeous those babies are! They are getting so big! I cannot imagine how hard the holidays are going to be for you this year. I will keep you in my prayers.

Heather - I also have the same thoughts. I am so terrified of something happening to the twins or to DH. Every night I pray for God to keep them safe and healthy.

Signing - I definitely want to do it. I printed off the cards that someone posted but have not started yet. For those of you doing it, how do you get started?

So, today is a very big game for Ohio State football! DH and I have a babysitter and we are going to my BIL's house to watch the game. We then have a wedding tonight. I am excited to go out alone!!

Did anyone see that dinosaur toy on TV where you put the balls in the holes and they roll out of the dino's mouth? It lights up and plays sounds. It looks really fun! It is so funny now that we have children because DH and I will intently watch toy commercials and look at all the toys at BRU when we go. How things have changed!!!

DH played hooky from work yesterday. We had a very nice family day together!

Well, the babies are laying on the floor playing. I feel bad that I am not with them so I will talk to everyone later!

Valerie

Jillmami

11-18-2006, 12:07 PM

Valerie. a friend has the toy where the balls roll out the mouth and her son LOVES it!!! We are planning on getting one. Toy shopping is a blast! It seems as though you need to always buy/update toys, huh!

newmomx2

11-18-2006, 05:00 PM

wow the board has been busy - as have I..I tried to read them all but I think I missed some..

Well Tyler has been off zantac for 1 1/2 weeks and seems fine - YEAH.

Food question - I just started cereal twice a day (I had been giving it at night only) But do you all give any vegetables or fruits. I was giving 2-3 TBl of cereal and 1 TB of Vege at night and now Fruit in the morning..does this sound normal?

Since I introduced the morning cereal I have been able to keep nursing YEAH -- I am trying to hang on.

DH is on night work so over the weekend he stays up all night and I get to sleep WAHOO...

Ladies thanks for all the B/F support - for those of you still nursing any tips..I just bough fenugreek to help with the supply.

Corey David
Tyler Edward
May 28th 2006
39 1/2 weeks

Valerie our Corey's are 1 day apart...

Well my day care lady is off on Monday because of a surgery so my MIL is coming down tomorrow night till Tuesday am to watch them (DH will be sleeping Monday till 2pm and then going to work at 4:30) Should be interesting maybe she will see how hard it can really be !!

Enjoy your Turkey day ladies ...we are heading out of town UGH

Jillmami

11-18-2006, 07:03 PM

GO BUCKEYES!!!! Valerie, I went to Upper Arlington HS in Columbus so I was rooting for OSU like you. What a game!!!:yippee:

cpl

11-19-2006, 09:43 AM

Signing - I'm interested in doing sign language, but I haven't started yet. I'm not sure how I'll do it. My SIL had a video that she liked a lot. I think she started when her daughter was a few months older though, I don't know if that would make a difference.

Books - I don't have any twins themed books, but the boys do seems to be interested now when I try to read to them. I'm looking for some books for Christmas presents. I'd like to get some soft ones, I'd don't have any right now.

I'm going to my Inlaws for Thanksgiving, so I don't know if I'll have much chance to check out this forum.

Charlotte

Jillmami

11-19-2006, 11:46 AM

You might want to check with your local Mother's of Multiples group. Ours has a library that we are free to borrow from. They have many different baby signing resources (books, cards, videos, etc.) My husband and I purchased baby signs http://www.babysigns.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=aboutus.main.

Ebay also has many items for sale as well. We are looking forward to trying it out soon.

vthompson

11-19-2006, 03:33 PM

Go Bucks!! It was such an exciting game!! We started watching it at my BIL's house and then left at halftime to go to the wedding reception. We finished watching it at the bar there (the reception was at a hotel). So, DH and I decided to stay at the hotel after the wedding. We decided once we got there so we did not even have any clothes, toiletries, etc...but we had a great time! We definitely could not afford it, but I guess that is what credit cards are for! It was just very nice to be alone together!

Lisa and I are meeting tomorrow. I am so excited!!

Well, I better go. It is funny but the babies seem very attached to us today. I think they missed us!!

Valerie

swineland

11-19-2006, 07:37 PM

Hi all!!

I DEFINITELY plan to post more tomorrow, as I know I have been MIA for the last week, but I just wanted to see if Mindy has been checking the board at all. Girl, where ARE you???? I am getting worried....please give me a call or email me soon.

I have so much to say to all of you, responses to topics, stories to share, etc. You'll all get a kick knowing that my boys are STILL teething and are well on their way to having, are you sitting down?, EIGHT teeth EACH!! I can't believe it.

G'night.....more tomorrow..
Steph

swineland

11-20-2006, 03:36 PM

Boy, quiet today.

Well, Bailey is sleeping and Evan is kicking the crap out of his kick n' play; I've just made a big cup of coffee with my peppermint mocha Christmas creamer and I'm settling in for a long post!

Valerie, I hope you and Lisa had fun today!! Where did you guys meet? Did you shop some? I'm a combination of excitement and dread this year with regard to Christmas shopping. I am going to try and do most of it as soon as possible to avoid crowds, including doing as much as I can online.

Christmas prezzies for the boys: We have agreed that no one is to go crazy this year buying a bunch of meaningless colorful toys that will only add to the MORE than enough we have now. The babies have no idea it's Christmas and we might as well use this as an opportunity to save some $$ b/c after next Christmas and going forward, the holidays are going to be pricey! That being said, I DO have a small list going for them that either we or the grandparents can buy from:
* a baby sign language DVD/book
* that dino with the balls toy that Jill mentioned (or Val)
* the "Rockin Jitter Buggy" car......that would be the one big present for both of them. But I'm not even sure we will get that.
Of course, I want to buy everything I see, but they don't need all that and we are going to run out of room!!

Valerie, I know what you mean about the babies realizing when you are leaving. I know Evan and Bailey get all bent out of shape when we leave the room sometimes. Both of them are doing the arms open wide "uppy" thing. It's so cute, but also a sign of the separation anxiety phases that are inevitable during these first years.

Twin interaction: my boys are just within the last month or so getting more excited when they see one another. Of course, it has to be when we prop them up in front of each other and then they smile and shriek. Once they can sit up really well without us supporting them, I'm sure they will get a lot more time to interact. Mostly, like someone else said, they just want to scratch each others faces off!

Signing: definitely into it. We talked about it when I was pregnant and both knew we wanted to try it. Try being the operative word, hopefully it will work.

Diapers: We are on to size 3 Pampers Cruisers right now. I originally wanted those new Huggies "flex" diapers, but, like Heather said, BJ's doesn't carry them and so I just went with the Cruisers. I was afraid they would be like the Baby Dry, which I hated beyond words. So, I took one of the diapers out of the box before I bought and it saw that it had the stretchy tabs....so, that's what we're using. Wipes: I have found that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Target brand soft cloth baby wipes...they are so darn soft, it's crazy. And they work really well....get everything in just a couple swipes.

PP's: The most shocking thing as a new mom was the first time I opened up the boys' diaper to find Mr. Morningwood. I was like, oh my God!! Honey, get in here!! Of course, my husband was like "hey, that's my boy". Men. Anyway, Bailey doesn't really notice his too much, but Evan will grab for it, rather violently!, in the bathtub. His hand goes south and he just holds his scrotum the whole time. DH is like "dude, trust me, you do NOT want to do that". hahahah I hear him in there having these little conversations with the boys, cracks me right up!

Daily schedule: don't really have one. We have more of a "routine", as someone else mentioned. They get up between 5:30 (ugh!) and 7am, eat and play and take a nap about 2 hours later. Usually nap for about an hour or so, back up to eat and play and on with that series of events throughout the day. They take 2-3 naps per day, depending on the timing and how they are acting. The one nap they may skip is the early evening nap, that's usually at 5:30 or so. They get a bath every other night, a good wipe-down on the non-bath nights.

I've also cut down on the cereals, like Jennifer, as they are/were constipating the boys. They get pears or applesauce in the mornings, usually they split one plastic container (Gerber 2nd foods). It's pretty much just formula throughout the day until 4:30 or so and I feed them a fruit and a veg, again they split 2 containers. I give 3 or 4 ounces of formula to wash it down. Bedtime is a big cereal bottle, usually 7-9 ounces. I blend the cereal on "liquify" and never have problems with clogged nipples. We are using the size 3 Avent bottle nipples.

Going nutso in the Jumperoo? CHECK!

Jill, I just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you this holiday season and wishing for you to be peaceful and filled with happy memories of your mom. I can't imagine how hard it will be for you......

KT, to that end, I am thinking of you as well.

Books and reading to twins: yes, we read to the boys. They LOVE Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you see? I also have Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, a fun little alphabet book. Some peek-a-boo books, a very bright and fun animal book and Goodnight Moon. They want to put the books right in their mouths at this point, so I have some soft cloth books for them to hold and slobber on.

Teeth: I hope all your little teethers are doing better out there!! My boys have been the most wonderful teethers. Their disposition hasn't really changed at all and that shocks me to no end since they each have 6 teeth!
The drool is everywhere and the fist, foot, toy, book, shirt, etc is ALWAYS in the mouth.

Heather!! I JUST checked my cell phone for the first time in like 3 days. I am the WORST about keeping it charged and so it's been dead at the bottom of my purse. I had no idea you called on Friday! I am so sorry....I totally would have called you back! We have GOT to get together soon.....after Thanksgiving, before Christmas??? I'll call you soon.

Ebay: been a selling fool. Making some good extra cash selling maternity clothes, 0-3 month baby clothes, etc. It's great once you get the auctions going, but taking photos and listing everything is a pain the a$$ and only appeals to me every once in awhile. Wish I could be more motivated.

Heather, also there is a website www.qoop.com and you can print all kinds of photobooks, calendars, etc from your uploaded photos. They are very inexpensive too. The only thing is, you have to upload your photos to a site like Flickr or Photobucket first, then go to qoop. Check it out if you have time.

Wondering where Felisha, Daniele, Ters and Sherry are!? You guys better not have ditched us for good. We'll find you!

My life has been going relatively okay in recent weeks. Had inlaws here for a week and on the heels of that visit, my mom came. Was glad to get the house back for a bit! We are going to my parents for Thanksgiving, just a short 3 hour drive, shouldn't be too bad.

Monica, you mentioned coming to Orlando for the holidays? Wonder if Heather and/or I could come meet you!!

I have got to run.... so glad I was able to post, though. I miss you all and wish you the most wonderful Thanksgiving with your new families this year!
How lucky we all are......

xoxo
Steph

swineland

11-20-2006, 03:43 PM

p.s. If anyone gets a chance to see a movie, go see A Good Year. I went by myself yesterday and it was so wonderful!! It made me want to come home and light candles, drink wine and get into bed with Russell Crowe. I managed two out of three :)

swineland

11-20-2006, 08:31 PM

uh.......hello?? Where the heck is everyone??:dunno:

LucasMom

11-20-2006, 08:46 PM

Ok, still alive...feeling like I am running on empty right now...

I know I haven't been around, but life has been kind of tough right now. To be honest, things with the hubby are not so good. The new job has put alot of stress on us, and we are not recovering as nicely as I would have liked. I got a promotion at work , so it has been work, kids, work, kids, fight, cry. etc...

Boys are great, had 6 month check up and are almost equivalent to each other. 18 lbs. and 28.5 inches each. 75th percentile height and weight each and doing well even without adjusted age. Lucas will be 4 this weekend, and is an excellent big brother.

I have given DH an ultimatum, actually I have asked him to leave, which did not go over well, but he has made a decision that work is his priority right now, and I figure life can't be any harder without him than it has been with him for the last three months. I told him after the holidays (for the kids sake). He is not taking to it well, and is now trying to be completely normal, after having been a tyrant for the last three months and watching me cry and have a nervous breakdown almost daily, with no relief. Too much drama for one year, if you ask me.

I miss you all, but don't have a spare minute to type before falling asleep at night (ok, crying myself to sleep...) plus, you know how I feel about depressing the group of happy mommies, so I check in when I can and think about you all often.

Have to go pack up the boys for tomorrow. Looking forward to Thanksgiving ( a day off!!) and my super boring birthday (december 1st)! Woe is me, alone again!

On a better note, I got the cutest Target Issac Mizrachi skirt in the mail today that I ordered 3 MONTHS AGO!!! Holy back order. Haven't read up in awhile, but will soon and hope you all are well and babies are happy and thriving.

Hugs and kisses to all!

Mindy

Steph-Still missing you girl, just sooo crazy and depressing around here...thank you for caring. You are a good friend and a wonderful person, and I hope one day to repay the favor.
Mindy

mmzill

11-20-2006, 09:42 PM

Hey ladies~

The board has been really quiet! I guess everyone is busy with holiday stuff. I know I have been. My mom has been here this past week and is still here. We are having fun. Sunday we had someone come watch the boys and we went shopping - for us! It was fun to do that again. I haven't gone shopping like that in a long time. We tried on so many clothes......needless to say most of them stayed in the store because it is so hard to find clothes to fit me right now, oh well. It was still fun.

Valerie and Lisa, I hope you had a wonderful day today! I was thinking about you. So glad the OSU game was so so good!

Mindy - I saw you on TLC today and was thinking of you. It was the episode about giving up bottles. I really do hope that Dh realizes what a stupid mistake it is to put work above family. (I know that's pretty preachy, sorry) but I just think you have so much to offer......he's being a fool! Glad the boys are doing well.

We are not getting the boys much at all. But my mom did get them the Leap Frog musical table thing. It can sit on the floor or be up on legs. My dd had a borrowed one when she was little and it really helped her to learn to walk. I saw the dinasour toy too. It looks neat, but not sure if we are going to get it.

We used some signing with dd and it was very helpful. I'm going to do it again with the boys.

Steph - had to laugh about your comment on the PPs. I know exactly what you mean. For a long time I thought Nathan was bigger than Anthony, but now I think that he is just dreaming of girls (more frequently than his brother) :funny: We are going to be in Orlando from the 22nd to the 1st or so. Maybe we can all get together! That would be fun. DH's brother lives in Apopka so that's where we will be. But I can meet you anywhere.

Well - the boys are going to bed better for us. Mom has been much more faithful at giving baths and I think it helps them wind down for the evening. Most nights the past week they have been going down by 9. That is nice.

Well I better run. Watch out for all those crazy shoppers!
~Monica

vthompson

11-21-2006, 08:27 AM

I am so freaking tired! Both babies have colds...coughing and runny noses. Last night, they were coughing up storms. Needless to say, DH and I got like zero sleep! Of course, I have a meeting today with one of the companies I work for from home so no nap here. I am running on empty.

Lisa and I had a great day!! Her boys are so adorable. We forgot to take any pics, I am mad at us for that!! We met at a mall in Pittsburgh and just did some browsing. Neither of us bought a lot...at least not like last time we shopped together! Corey flirted away with his girlfriend Lisa (lol). Lisa's friend came...it was great to have an extra person. She was very nice. Her boys cracked me up. They have these really cute coats. However, they look like the little boy from a Christmas Story in them...they cannot move their arms. Then, when she put their hats on, they could not move their heads. It was hilarious! We were all laughing.

Mindy - I really do not even know what to say except that I am very sorry for you. I agree with Monica...your DH does not know what he is missing out on by choosing work over you and his family. Hopefully, some day he will realize all that he has lost. You are a beautiful and kind person. Do not ever forget that!

Steph - It was good to hear from you. I am starting to wonder where everyone is! I think people may have jumped ship!

Well, I better go. I have a million and one things to do before the babysitter gets here.

SunMoonMom

11-21-2006, 08:49 AM

Hi All,

I have been reading posts the last couple of days but really haven't had anything to share...

The boys are doing well. We broke down and started using the teething tablets at night and I have to say the boys seem much more comfortable at night.

We started back on solids this week. We tried it before and they just didn't seem ready for it (might have been dh and I weren't ready for it). So we are starting with the oatmeal (the boys have been getting cereal in their bottles forever). Next week we will start with the veggies. Ben is a natural eater (he has been really watching us for a while). Zach could care less about solids. He just wants to put the bib in his mouth.

We finally have the play area in the living room done. The gate is installed, the foam mats are on the floor and the toys are everwhere. We have hardwood floors and dogs so I was always worried about putting the boys on the floor. Was worried they would hit their heads on the floor and that the dogs might step on them. So the play area is done and just in time for Thanksgiving. So far the boys seem to like it.

I had a dream last night that I was pregnant. I swore up and down that I would never do it again, but now that the boys are 5 months and the memories of carrying them around for 8 months is fading I am thinking that having another might not be a bad idea. Just worried that because we are fertility patients that we might throw twins again... Not sure how I feel about it... For other moms out there who had their twins first, what were your feelings about adding more to the mix... just curious.

Well I have to get back to work... I just want to say again how much I enjoy reading about your twins and your experiences. Helps remind me that having twins is special and that chaos isn't always a bad thing.

megzmom

11-21-2006, 09:01 AM

Mindy-First of all on a light note...dumbie me...I must have missed this but are you on tv? On a serious note...unfortunately I know exactly (minus 1) know what you are going through. My ex chose himself over Meg and I. I left right before her 1st bday. We didnt tell the family. We acually had a party with buches of people and acted like we were together. He cried like a baby when I said I was leaving. He thought I'd cave in but he didnt cosole me at all when I was crying for us. I am really really sorry. If you every need us please let us know! You are not a downer. That's what we are hear for.

Steph-oh sure the old cell phone died story:lol: Just kidding. I wasnt sure what happened. It was no problem. Missed you but I totally understand.

Dedication-had it on Sunday. Boys are so cute. actually fit in 3-6mths outfits which I was shocked. There are also wearing 9mths too???? I have shorty men. Legs looked like they could fit both boys into the legs. I will try to upload a picture son.

Monica-Apopka is close too. Just let us know so we can all meet :)

AndreaR

11-21-2006, 10:34 AM

Hi everyone - sorry I haven't been too great about posting. It's really hard to find the time.

I just want to say how much I admire and respect all of you who are home alone with your twins and some of you with older siblings too. I feel like I have no time to do anything, and I have help all the time!! So, my hat is off to you.

Our teething woes seemed to have subsided temporarily. But no teeth yet. My sister said that both of her kids would be miserable for a while, then they'd be fine for a couple of weeks, THEN the tooth would pop up. We'll see.

Izzy is a rolling machine. She loves to roll over from her back to her belly. It's almost an automatic thing when you put her down, unless you do something to keep her entertained on her back.

Naps still s*ck. I'm getting very tired of it, but I refuse to drive around and waste any more gas. We just bought our new car in October, and I've already put 3000 miles on it!

Mindy - I'm praying for you, sweetie. Congratulations on your promotion at work. Please don't avoid us because you are sad. That's why we are here. Have you guys discussed counselling? I think you went through it before, right? Stay strong - You are a remarkable woman.

I made a friend with a woman in town who has a baby boy two weeks younger than the girls. She is very, very nice and we seem to be very compatible. I'm thankful that I finally found someone live. You gals are great, but sometimes "virtual" doesn't always cut it, you know? Hope that doesn't sound bad - I really do love you ladies and could not survive without you. Anyway, Kristin has also found some other new moms in the area, and we're starting a play group. Yeah!

I'm a little nervous about hanging out with a lot of other babies, since Maddie didn't get the RSV vaccine, but I can't stay home all winter either. I will get depressed. I was medicated for depression for the two years before I got pg. First I was on Wellbutrin, which was good, but I switched because it has a side effect of lowering your libido (not what you need when you're trying to get pg). Then I went on Lexapro. I really liked it - no side effects for me at all. I have been off the medication since I started the IVF shots, and I've never felt better. I think the pg hormones are still with me since I am b/fing Izzy. Also, I feel like I'm too busy to think about being sad. I know that sounds strange, but I don't have any time to contemplate my life. And what little time I do have, I bask in the love of my girls. They are just so cute and loveable (most of the time) that I can't be sad. I was really worried about PPD, but it looks like I've escaped it so far anyway.

Kerrie - I totally agree with you about having another kid. We actually "tried" this month. Meaning, that we had sex this month. LOL. Seriously, though, we did try to time it right, although I didn't use an ovulation kit. We have an appointment with the RE next week to put a plan together. I am going to be 40 next month, so if we're going to have another baby, I feel like it needs to be soon. Plus I feel like we should do it before we know any better - you know what I mean? Before the terrible twos and all... If we do have to do IVF and we put in more than one embryo and more than one takes.....I've already decided to reduce to just one. I just don't think I can handle a twin pg again, or handle another set of twins. I've thought a lot about this, and I dont' know if I'll be able to do it if the time comes, but that's where my head is now. Steph, I know that you and DH had to go through it with your pregnancy, and I know how hard it was. I really admire your strength.

Well, I'm kind of ignoring Isabelle, and this post is long enough as it is, so I'd better go.

I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving if I don't get a chance to do so later in the week.

AndreaR.

ps. On the May board they are posting how often they have sex. Anyone intersted in sharing? I was shocked to read that people have the energy to do it more than once a week. We are about once a week, if we're lucky. It's more like once every 10-12 days. Both DH and I wish we wanted to do it more often, but we are both so exhausted. I'm wondering how everyone else fares in this dept.

megzmom

11-21-2006, 11:29 AM

Another baby?-We actually said yes we will but I dont know if we could handle it. Especially right now. Financially and our relationship. We cant even go out for one date. I really do want more but not looking forward to the preg. Funny because we watch all the video we took so far including the birth and I do miss it already! Dh wants more. Maybe when we are done with formula and diapers? But I will be 36-37. Too late for me. I started at 24. Dont want to be a grandma with a kid at home too ??? Totally terified of having twins. Even though with them connecting lately it is soooo awesome!

swineland

11-21-2006, 01:42 PM

Heather! My cell phone story is true!! I know, when I was typing it I thought "wow, this sounds lame" but it's kinda like saying the dog ate your homework when the dog REALLY DID eat it! I've always been awful about keeping it charged and all my friends have heard a thousand times "talk fast, my cell battery is about to die". It irritates DH to no end. :)

Sex frequency: Andrea, I am right there with ya. DH and I have sex about every 10-12 days as well. In addition to just being exhausted at the end of the day (both of us), I feel like a total fata$$ right now and am really making no attempts to be amorous. Luckily, DH has never been the kind of guy with lots of sexual expectations. We spend a lot of intimate time in each other's arms, holding hands, cuddling, etc. Dont' get me wrong, we like sex, too. But it's just not the most important part of our marriage.

More twins and getting preggers again: I have already made it quite clear to DH that should I get pregnant naturally in the future, it would be fine with me. That being said, I don't WANT to get pregnant right now. We did IVF as well and it would be only if I somehow got pregnant the old fashioned way. You never know, stranger things have happened. But for some reason I can totally see in my minds eye that this is going to happen to us. I've felt it for awhile and feel like somehow I'm going to have that opportunity to welcome my third child into my arms. Which leads me to my next thought: Andrea, thank you for your kind words about the reduction. This month has been so hard on me so far and I knew it would be. Nov 8th last year was when we found out it was triplets and the reduction didn't occur until Nov. 28th. So, this whole time right now I keep thinking "a year ago today I was carrying three babies". Nov. 28th is looming on the horizon and I see it as if I'm watching a plane crash and I can't do anything to stop it. I start crying if I think about it and I know it's going to be an awful day for us. I feel like by getting pregnant again, whenever that may be, it will put closure on this for me and allow me to say "c'mon baby.....you can come along now". :(

Anywho, Mindy, I was so relieved to see your post. Just to know that you are still there. I totally understand the demands that are on you right now and I so wish I could come up to help. Echoing what everyone else said, this is why this board exists, so that you can come on here and vent and tell us your worries and get the depressing stuff off your chest. Don't ever apologize for that. We'll talk soon......

I gotta run.....
xo,
Steph

megzmom

11-21-2006, 02:22 PM

Steph-I am so sorry. I thought you went through the decision but I didnt want to ask when we were talking before. My mom is greiving the loss of her "foster" son. My stepfather didnt want adoption but she did. So they had to make a decision. Adoption day which my mom's job orchestrates was last week. The family which cut all ties to "old" family adopted his half sister and will be adopting him too. So she is greiving a loss too. I am here girl if you need me. My shoulders are big.

Lisa-sooo sorry. Did get the coupons and used them! :clap:

sgarrett

11-21-2006, 03:34 PM

Mindy: I am so sorry for your pain. Maybe some time apart will help him open his eyes. Ditto what everyone has said, do not feel like your are bringing anyone down, we have all used this board as a place to come with both our joys and our sorrows.

Preggo: I am in the same boat as you Steph. We went through IVF (twice) to get pregnant and I do not want to do that again. I also was preg with triplets at first and lost one. I had a tubal when we first started trying before IVF. It is such a hard emotional thing to go through. I would like to have another baby, and am not currently on birth control. I am 36 so if it is going to happen I need to get on it. I feel so blessed with the 3 god has given me. Either way I am happy.

Sex: I am finally starting to get my "drive" back. My DH is always ready to go! I still struggle with the self esteem issues, my stomach is still so big and mushy! It is frustrating. Is it ever ever going to go down? Anyway I guess we average 2-3 times a week. That is just recently though before it was maybe once a week! (and lights are always off!)

AndreaR: That is great to find a local mommy that you have hit it off with! I miss my social life. That is the toughest thing for me right now, we have no babysitters. I really miss going out with my DH and "girls night". I mean we have neighbors and Moms from Chase's bball team that are always offering. But I just do not feel comfortable having someone watch them right now that they do not know.

BTW a basketball coach from Bryan college called last night about Chase. He said they are definately going to offer him a scholarship! We are so excited, there are a couple of other coaches very interested but this is the 1st to offer money. He said he would give me more details in the beginning of Dec. He was the lead scorer in their game last night with 19 points. He would have had more but he had to sit the last qtr out because he got elbowed in the temple! I was so worried about him, we were afraid he might have a concussion, but he is OK. I do not write much about him on here, since this is the twin site but I have to brag a little. He is such a great kid, he is so smart, a great athelete and has such a wonderful heart. He is never mean to anyone, and goes out of his way to look out for the underdog. He is very good looking too, he got most good looking for his senior superlative. I am very proud of him. I can not beleive he is graduating this year and going away to school. It is going to kill me. I already cry when we talk about it, or when colleges send him letters. I can not imagine life without Chase in the house!

Sorry to have gone on so long,

Take care Mommies

Staci
XOXO

sgarrett

11-21-2006, 03:38 PM

I almost forgot, we had the babies dedicted this weekend too! It was so sweet. Isabelle was a little angel and Aiden pitched a fit! It was like the scene in The Omen when they tried to take Damien to the church. Hmm should I be worried??

swineland

11-21-2006, 03:51 PM

Is a "dedication" the same thing as the "Christening"?? What's the diff??

DH and I are not very religious at all and don't have any plans to Christen the boys. (Much to my mother's chagrin) Religion to us is just another thing that divides people and we want to let that be something for them to choose when they get older, if they so desire. I did want to do some type of "welcoming" ceremony (doubt I'll do it now that they're 6 months old).

Anyway, just curious.

Steph

megzmom

11-21-2006, 04:09 PM

Steph-Christening vs Dedication. As far as I learned, Christening means that the child is "sprinkled" with holy water and it symbolizes being Saved. In our church, we only dedicate. I believe that I can only make my home a place where we learn about God. That doesn't mean the boys are a Christian. They have to make that personal choice when they are older. I hope I got the Christening correct. If I didnt I am sorry. I was Christening/Baptized as an infant (Catholic) but made the personal choice (Baptist) as a teen. SO my dh, dd and mom said that we would raise the boys in a Christian home. It has been a struggle making it to church since its the only day when dh and I are off together.

AndreaR

11-21-2006, 05:10 PM

Steph - your post about the reduction made me cry. I'll be thinking of you EVEN MORE over the next week. But then.....I saw your new slide, and I laughed out loud because E&B are so flippin' cute, I just can't stand it.

I also loved to see the picture of Lisa holding one of the Wineland boys - I can't tell which one (I don't think I'd ever be able to tell them apart!). And the picture of Steph & Lisa is great - you both look GORGEOUS!

Staci - I guess I didn't realized that Chase was so old. Sorry - I probably wasn't paying attention. You must be so, so proud of him. It sounds like you raised one heck of a kid. I can't imagine my girls going to college. And your Omen / dedication comments were too funny. I'm sure Aiden is no Damien. I saw a license plate today that was "ILVADN" - I was thinking of you and my friend who also has a boy named Aiden.

Christening - DH and I battled (not really) back and forth about Christening the girls in the Catholic church. We decided to go ahead and do it more for the families' sake than our own. We both want to belong to a church that we love (me more than DH), but we haven't figure it out yet. We NEVER go to mass, although we talk about it every weekend. Oh, the Catholic guilt!!

xo
AndreaR

vthompson

11-21-2006, 06:25 PM

Christening - The twins were christened in the Catholic church...that is where I have always gone to church. However, I have had some "religious issues" for awhile and have not taken the time to find a church that I really like and feel comfortable at. DH and I never go to church, either. By the time the weekend rolls around, the time just isn't there...that sounds horrible, I know.

Steph - Your post made me cry. I will keep you in my prayers as the upcoming days approach. I hope you find peace in the 2 beautiful boys you have!!

Staci - You have every right to brag about Chase!! I think you should continue to keep us updated on him. Do we have the next Lebron on our hands (lol)? How is he with the babies?

Lisa - Which lady...the prego lady? I am glad you had someone else with you. I totally remember the dippy eggs! I would eat them once a while and I always felt guilty! LOL!!! I was totally thinking about getting a pic of all 6 of us! I had my camera, too. Next time, we cannot forget! We need to prove to the twins later on in life that we did all that traveling with them (lol).

Sex - Still love it...However, I am definitely insecure and grossed out by my new found twin body. I HATE my disgusting stomach. We have it 4-5 days a week. I have always had a big sex drive, though, and so does DH.

Pregnant - DH and I have decided to wait till the twins are about 3 years old or so. We have talked about having 2 more babies. However, we have also talked about opening a preschool/day care center. I do not think that would be possible until after we were done having children. We would really need to look at where we are financially and such. As much as I love my babies, pg was not this glowing fantastic time for me. I was miserable and sick. I wouldn't mind having twins again so that I only have to be pg one more time!! However, we are not ready right now. I took clomid and got pg twice on it, one miscarriage and then the twins. The meds made me crazy...not anything compared to what all of you went through with IVF. I am not sure I am ready for all that again.

Does anyone have suggestions on what to do for night coughing? K and C have gotten worse since the day has gone on. I put a vaporizer in their room to see if it would work. Any other suggestions? I feel bad for them.

Ok, I am exhausted. Talk to everyone later.

Valerie

sgarrett

11-21-2006, 06:30 PM

Different religions have different reasons for christening, infant baptism or dedication. I did not grow up Methodist (which is where I go now) so I asked our pastor a million questions before I decided to do it. The purpose was basically stating that we as the parents will do our best to raise the children as christians. I was raised Catholic until my mother died when I was 12, than my evil guardians raised me in a church that believed if you did not go to their church you were burning in he**. It really turned me off from religion for a many years, for the same reasons you mentioned Steph. I did not christen my eldest son for these reasons. I did alot of searching before finding the church I go to now that is very open minded and welcomes all denominations and does not feel one is better than the other. It is sad that there are churches out there that are giving organized religion such a bad name. Truth being said I am probaly should go to a Hindu church, based on my beleifs!

Wow did not mean to type all that, I really came on here to tell you all about my total amatuer mistake I made today. I was late getting home and quickly stripped the babies so I could feed them dinner but forgot to change into my Mommy uniform of PJ pants and a sweatshirt. My dry clean only blouse now has sweet pea goo all over it and my dry clean only pants have dried cereal crust all over them! And I wonder why I do not feel like a total sex kitten!

AnderaR LOVE THE LICENSE PLATE! He is attracting the ladies already!

BTW Remember me talking about the million dollar deal at work I was working on? I got the contract signed today for phase 1 of installs! The contract does commit them to the whole deal in the 1st year. I am so excited! Our fiscal year started in October and I pretty much have my annual quota sold!

Happy Turkey day all!

Staci
XOXO

sgarrett

11-21-2006, 06:35 PM

Hey Valerie! We were posting at the same time. Try a humidifer for the coughing, it puts moisture back in the air to help their dry throat. Thanks for the comments on Chase. I will give you all free autographed pictures by request! LOL What the heck are dippy eggs? BTW I was on clomid before we did IVF and it made me nutso too. I would cry at everything! If it makes you feel any better being preg with one is not near as miserable as a twin pregnancy.

swineland

11-21-2006, 08:28 PM

Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about your dad.....I will keep him in my thoughts tonight and going forward. Also, I think Andrea was talking about me and Heather, not me and you in the photo. I say "I think", but you and I have never met, so "I know". :)

G'night all.....
Steph

Jillmami

11-21-2006, 10:38 PM

Lisa, Like others here, I have added your father and your family to my prayer list. Hoping all is well with him.

Staci - Congrats on the big deal! :clap: How awesome is that!!

Steph - This Thanksgiving will definitely be a tough one for you and your family. It must be difficult to have two beautiful babies and know there once was a third. You know in your heart that you made the right choice last year for you and the babies. Your family is also in my prayers.

You know, for as pleasant as holidays are 'supposed' to be, there are often so many things that make them on the sad side. It seems as though many of us will have our share of tears this Thanksgiving. Luckily, we have 4 beautiful eyes to look into to warm our hearts a bit when we need it.

Happy Thanksgiving to a great group of strong women!

AndreaR

11-22-2006, 05:40 AM

Lisa/Heather/Steph - yes, I meant Heather. duh...... sorry

Lisa - I hope everything is okay with your dad. I'm praying for him. Please keep us posted.

vthompson

11-22-2006, 06:26 AM

Lisa - I emailed you back...please keep us posted about your dad. I am thinking about you and praying that everything is ok.

Steph and Lisa - I was wondering when you two met (lol).

Staci - Congrats on the deal!! That is awesome.

Jill - Your post was so sweet...4 eyes looking up at us! It made me smile.

Ok, babies yelling for morning bottles. Gotta go!

BTW, thanks for all the tips on helping their little colds. They did not seem to cough as much last night with the vaporizer and they slept until 5am. Much better then the night before!

Valerie

vthompson

11-22-2006, 07:53 AM

Lisa - I am so glad to hear about your dad. It sounds as though everything is going to be ok. Let us know when he gets out of the hospital. I am also very sorry to hear about what happened to you and your DH. I cannot imagine going through that. You are obviously a strong woman! I really liked what you said about the twins being the babies that you lost. When we found out we were having twins, DH always said that one baby was the baby we miscarried. We like to think it is Kayley since she was born first. We always tell each other that we did not miscarry, but rather, she just stayed in my tummy for a few months longer then most babies!! It helps to ease your heart.

Well, I really am truly amazed that the holidays are here. I wish all of you nothing but happiness...all of you who are feeling a sense of loss right now, I will keep you in my prayers. I am amazed that we all have these 2 little miracles to help us celebrate this year! It warms my heart.

Valerie

Valerie

christel

11-22-2006, 08:32 PM

Hey Everyone :)

Dh is slaving away in the kitchen as I type and the girls are asleep (in separate cribs!). He SO loves pretending he's all gourmet and has banned me from the kitchen so he can work his pre-Thanksgiving magic :yippee: He's made the dressing, prepared the chicken (we opted out of turkey this year), put a stratta together in the slow cooker for breakfast tomorrow and is starting work on the baked mac & cheese! Mmmmm! We'll do the green beans, asparagus and cranberry pie tomorrow. We're also hosting some folks from DH's (former) workplace who can't be with their families. My fam & Dh's fam would have liked us to come there, but it was a 4 or 6 hour drive - depending on where we went - and we just didn't want to do it!

So, the girls are in their own cribs now. We made the switch 3 days ago and it's been going well. They woke up a few times the first night. I think it was just really unfamiliar to them. They went back to sleep on their own - I watched it all from the video moniter. Now, they seem to sleep easier, less sleep disturbances, that is, since no one is kicking them :lol: I'd sleep better, too!

More babies - not sure yet. Definitely not now! Maybe I'll think it's a good idea in another year or so. I'm 31, so I feel like I have a few years left to decide. We've got 4 embies in the freezer that were pulled when I was 30, so even though my 32+ year body will be undergoing another pg, the embies will be more viable b/c they're younger. Weird, huh? Mostly I'm scared about another pg, not more kids. My pg was SO high risk b/c of Ruby's IUGR and then a 32 wk delivery. I do not want to go through that again (or have a baby go through it again). Guess I'll have to want another baby bad enough to try, and right now, I don't.

Family loss/tough times - all of you going through this are in my thoughts and prayers right now. I know, from experience, that the holidays make this extra hard and I'll be praying that you have joy and peace and enjoy the love of your children. Because, it is the purest form of love and we are all so blessed to be on the receiving end of that amazing gift.

Happy Thanksgiving Ladies :throb:
:lovemytwins:
Christel

Jillmami

11-23-2006, 03:40 AM

Hello ladies and Happy Turkey Day! Just pumping so I thought I'd post a few dumb questions.

1. Is there ANYTHING besides the darn bulb syringe that works to get crud out of babies' noses? If so, please tell me.
2. Does anyone else feel bad for awful their little one sounds when they are congested?
3. I try tummy time to get him to snort out a bit since he gets mad at times on his tummy but even that isn't working. So I guess just ride it out?

We had our 2nd dose of the RSV med as well as our first of two flu shots. Needless to say, there were a few moments of screaming and tears. Luckily, that didn't last too long.

Well, any advice regarding snotty/congested noses would be appreciated whenever anyone has a spare minute.

Enjoy the day with your families. I have included you all, and your families in my prayers for the day.

JacobsMom

11-23-2006, 04:50 AM

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!

We are SICK of being SICK!!! Snotty noses - BIG CHECK!! All 5 of us. And to boot, since Friday morning, all 5 of us have cycled through a stomach virus! ICK! It started with David throwing up in his crib about 3:00am Friday morning - I sat up all night holding him while he slept for the next 5.5 hours! We got through Saturday ok, then Tate threw up Sunday night while eating cereal and fruit - SOOOOO GROSS!!! He ended up sleeping in the bed with me that night, so again I got no rest. I got sick Monday about noon, then Jacob got it Monday night. James had to take care of all the boys Monday since I was out of commission. He was up with Jacob until about 4am Tuesday morning. I got up with one of the twins when he came to bed. I have had so little sleep in the last 4-5 days it's all a blur so I have no clue at this point which one it was. So anyhow James started throwing up about 3am yesterday (Wed.) morning. He was up about 30 minutes ago and said he is feeling a little better.

The babies haven't thrown up any more since those first times, but they still must have upset stomachs cause they are pooping like crazy. Loose stools like when they were little babies getting mostly breastmilk. Since starting on foods, the poop has been pretty solid, but not right now! I swear I have changed more diapers in the last 5 days than in the last 5 weeks!! What really irritates me is to have just changed one, and then they will have a huge poot and shoot out just a little bit. Good grief! What a waste of a perfectly clean dry diaper!! LOL!

We were supposed to leave Tuesday morning to drive 7 hours to Mississippi for the holidays. Now we are hoping we can make it out of the house by 10am in the morning. MIL switched Thanksgiving lunch to dinner, but if we aren't there by 6pm, they eat without us! I've been up all night doing laundry and packing. I'm getting ready to go crawl in bed for an hour while this last load is in the dryer. I've been just about ready to scrap the trip, since I am so exhausted, but I know as soon as I get there I will have a mini-vacation cause my MIL and SIL will take over with the boys. So that kinda makes it worth the trip. Besides, I don't have to drive so I can sleep in the car. One of the best benefits of having an older child, Jacob gets the "honor" of feeding the boys in the back seat while we drive down the road.

JILL: (1) Have you tried the kind of bulb syringe that they sell for ears? This is the kind my mama used on all of us. It has a hard clear plastic removable tip and I think it works better for me than the long blue one we got at the hospital. I don't like that thing. I'm always scared I'm going to stick it in too far and hurt them. My Ped. also said to put a drop or two of nasal saline drops in the nostril before suctioning. Both my boys absolutely hate the "nose sucker". They scream bloody murder. Jacob was the same way. My sister used to lie her kids on the floor with their head trapped between her thighs and her legs over their chest to hold them down to suction them! Poor kids. :lol:

(2) I feel awful for the little guys. I know how bad I feel, and I know it's got to be worse for them. I can't even give them any meds for it. Poor David woke himself up this morning coughing and snorting so bad. He had smeared snot all over his little face. They are still sleeping in our rooms so we are not getting much sound rest listening to them snort and wheeze all night.

(3) They boys seem to do better when they are upright instead of lying down on back or tummy. They got good naps today in the swing, and again in the car seats while I ran errands.

Well, I'm off to get a quick nap. Hope everybody has a great Turkey Day!

Stace

LucasMom

11-23-2006, 12:58 PM

To a truly amazing group of women---

On this Thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for.

My three beautiful, healthy, smiling children, who love me unconditionally
and find in me beauty I can not find in myself.

A family, who as strange and odd as they are, at the end of the day will love and support me through all of my tough decisions.

A house where the heat is warm and I can keep my family loved and safe.

Most of all, over a year after finding out about our pregnancies, a beautiful, smart, caring, loving group of strong women who have not only found themselves in the experiences of the last year, but have found each other in the process. I am a stronger woman for having "met" each of you, and look forward to a long and fruitful friendship for all of us.

Thanks to each of you for being brave enough to go through this with me, to admit your faults and weaknesses, and be by my side as I hope I am your through this amazing ride. Each day, we grow stronger, and as tired and frustrated as we feel, it is a comfort to know that there are those who really understand it. Hugs and kisses to each of you and your families on this day.

Love Always,

Mindy and Family

Jillmami

11-24-2006, 02:12 AM

I just had to share this with you all. The other day, our daughter TJ was laughing like an adult. We got it on tape and put a few minutes of it online. For all she has gone through so far from 1.12 pounds to her current 11.6, she can still smile and laugh. If you have a few minutes, check it out and enjoy!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=E5FbNRIJmUE

If it doesn't take you directly to the video, enter "endless giggle" in the search window. This is definitely something that I am thankful for.

Hope you all had a wonderful Turkey Day!

swineland

11-24-2006, 06:38 AM

Hi all!

Hope you all had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. We are at my parents house in south Florida and arrived yesterday around 1pm. Dinner was fabulous and I, of course, ate WAY too much. God I love sweet potatoes.....

Jill, your video is SO SO cute!! I love how you added your own credits and made it so professional...I love doing stuff like that. A word of caution, though: I recently started using YouTube to display our baby videos and I made the mistake of choosing "public" video instead of "private" video. I figured it would be easier to share that way and the people I wanted to send it to wouldn't have to enter a password, etc. Well, the very next day I got an email saying "you have a new comment on your video!" I am thinking, oh how cute! Someone probably wrote that they think I have gorgeous babies or something like that. WRONG! The comment that was left was so vulgar and disgusting about the boys...it made me sick. I guess some a$$hole child molesters sit around and look up "public" videos....knowing that a person with a sick mind like that had watched a video of my angels......it just felt so wrong. So, keep in mind that you may want to change your video to private. Sorry for the long story!!! :)

Well, I better run....wanted to post more, but the babies are kinda fussy this morning. Hmmm, could it be that they are getting teeth # 7 and 8??? :)

Steph

christel

11-24-2006, 12:22 PM

I have found the fix for constipated babies! It works every time, I swear! You'd never guess what it is, but I bet most of us have one...

The Jumperroo!! :yippee: :funny:

I promise! Everytime one of my girls is backed up and we put them in that thing, we have the most god-awful mess to clean up, but they're cleared out. Today, Emme's 'jumperpoo" was up to her neck (eww!) Now that I've figured this out, I'm going to put them in there with a purpose, and something disposable on :D

Jill - hope the congestion is cleared up at your house. It's miserable, I know. If it hasn't, try letting the babies sleep w/ their heads elevated to facilitate the drainage. Definitely try the saline drops in the nose, too. And your video was absolutely darling :throb: What a cutie she is!

Stace - hope everyone is well at your house now. I'm dreading the first major illness. It's bound to hit sometime this winter. Hope your trip went well, too!

Steph - that is too creepy about the youtube comments. Gave me the heebie jeebies!

There are so many horrible people there are out there and it's a terrifying thought when you start imagining all that could happen and how to best protect our kiddos. I've asked DH to put all baby related items inside the dumpster and not beside it (like empty diaper boxes). I noticed one day on a walk around our neighborhood on trash day that you can tell exactly how old everyone's kids are by just looking at the stuff they haul out on garbage day! I know there are creepy pedophiles who've figured that out and I certainly don't want to advertise anything about our family... especially when I'm home alone w/ the girls most of the day!

DH and I are tackling household projects today and then will decorate for Christmas this evening. I'm so excited... the girls' first Christmas! :clap: The year before last when I was so dejected and depressed about TTC, I bought a tiny silver angel with the word "hope" on it to hang on the tree. Then, last year, pg at last, I found a little silver frame ornament for our first 3D pic of the girls in utero. So, this year, I'll get 2 frame ornaments and put their pictures in them and I think I'll carry this tradition through until they're old enough to choose their own ornaments each year.

Any special holiday traditions you plan to start this year with your twins?

:lovemytwins:
Christel

sgarrett

11-24-2006, 08:41 PM

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We were pretty low key, just my DH myself, the twins and another couple. Chase went to his Dad's in Atlanta. My girlfriend that came is going through the whole iVF process right now. It seems like alot on this board did as well, myself included. My heart goes out to her, it is not an easy process.

Mindy: You are an amazing woman, your strength came through in your post. I was glad to read the comment about your fam supporting you through tough decisions. I hope you have lots of shoulders to lean on in addition to the internet ones!

Steph: O MI GOD the YouTube comment is awful. It is so scary to know all those fricken weirdos are out there. Christel - I never even thought about our "trash". And I am in the fricken security business! I am going to pass that tidbit on to my DH on trash day.

Jill: Your video was adorable! She is so sweet. My DH laugh at ourselves all the time b/c of the truly retarded things we will do to make the babies laugh. It is the most wonderful music to hear!

Stace: Sorry for all the sick kiddos! It does not sound like fun.
I had the tummy virus a few days ago, luckily the babies did not get it. I hope everyone is better soon.

The babies are sleeping and my DH is feeding a friends dog. I always get a little sad on the holidays thinking about my Mom and lack of family all together. I did not even hear from any of my sisters yesterday or my brother. As happy as I am about the twins 1st Thanksgiving I can not help feeling melancholy wishing they could have met their grandmother. My dad is deceased as well but he was not a part of my life for the most part, disapeared when I was 9. Do not mean to be a sad sack, must be the glass of wine. I hope so much that all of my children stay close as they grow older. I want to start traditions like you had mentioned Christel and give them things to pass on to their children. Family is so important, I really did not grow up with much of one, I am so blessed to have what I have now. I am so thankful for my wonderful, healthy, babies, my bright, good hearted, smart son, and my amazing DH. I sometimes get scared that something awful is going to happen just b/c it is all going so good. Is that crazy?

Thanks for letting me vent.

Staci

Jillmami

11-25-2006, 07:07 AM

Staci, We seem to have similar 'family' stories. I am sorry to hear about your losses. I really have a difficult time knowing the babies won't really get to know their grandma. "Luckily" I had them 3 months early so she was able to see them in the hospital and then for a few months when they got home. Much of it she didn't remember due to the morphine but she did get to hold them and what not. That is what hurts the most; I agree with you. I also do not have my father in my life. He was one of the those absent divorced fathers who came around now and again. After my only siblings died 13 years ago in an accident, he stopped all communication (what little there was) as it was too difficult for him. (due to guilt of not being involved.) However, I did promise my mom in her last few days that I would make every effort to get in contact with him. So far, not much success. I do speak to my stepmother via email. I asked my mom's friends to send stories about my mom so that I can put together a scrapbook for the babies.

Still a bit congested - of course now it's TJ who has the worst part. Interestingly enough, each time I used the syringe on Noah, he would smile/giggle and then stick his tongue up as close to his nose as he could to try to 'catch' what he could. YUCK! I had to be a quick wiper once I was able to get a start on something.:vomit:

Well, my pumping is done. I am looking forward to hearing what brilliant traditions you all plan on starting with the babies. Right now, my brain is a blank. I know that we so far have enough baby's first Christmas ornaments that we are going to have a separate little baby decorated Xmas tree in addition to the regular big tree. Would love to begin new traditions. Thanks for mentioning/sharing Christel. Should be cool to hear what everyone has planned!

Take care!! :holidays:

vthompson

11-25-2006, 07:42 AM

Happy Belated Turkey Day!!! My Internet has been down for a few days! I have felt lost. It still is not working properly...I had to connect using a cable...we have wireless.

Jill - Your video was hilarious! As soon as TJ started laughing, my twins stopped in their tracks and stared in the direction of the computer. It was too funny!

Mindy - Your post was the sweetest thing! Thank you!!

Staci - I have thoughts like that all the time...it is almost as if things are going so well that you are afraid that something will happen to destroy the happiness. I understand completely where you are coming from!

Christel - I have not thought of any traditions yet. I can't wait to hear all of yours so maybe I can steal some (lol). One thing my mom used to do that I would like to continue is that she would buy special wrapping paper for each child. She would hide it and then wrap all of the gifts that Santa brought in it. That way, the gifts from Santa were not wrapped with the same paper she used on everyone else's gifts. It made Santa seem even more real!

Stace - Sorry for all the sickness. That sounds terrible. I hope everyone is feeling better.

Steph - That story brought chills up my spine. People are sick!

Well, the twins need my attention...gotta go!

Love to all!

Valerie

megzmom

11-25-2006, 02:55 PM

Hi I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. We had it at dinner since dh had to work until 5:30. (Disney's Typhoon Lagoon) Crazy people actual were swimming....

Traditions-okay got a really cool one. Kind of went with buying ornaments. I do this for Meg and want to do it for the boys. Each year I buy a special ornament first couple of years got it from the mall "Things Remembered". They had adorable ones that benefited Make a Wish foundation. Now that Meg is older she picks her own out. When she has her first Christmas on her own, I will hand her a box of all her ornaments. I saw it on a show and loved it.

Jill-LOVE the idea about scrapbook for the boys regarding your mom. It made me tear up. I am big into preserving the past. My mom calls it pack rat! Let me know if you need any supplies. I have TOO many!

vthompson

11-25-2006, 10:02 PM

I am totally just coming on here to vent...I have been on the phone for the longest time with SBC and then HP trying to figure out why the heck our laptop keeps loosing its wireless connection. Well, SBC has been very helpful and referred me to HP because apparently, it is a problem with the wireless card inside the computer. After an hour on the phone troubleshooting, the problem is still not fixed. I am so freaking aggravated. Towards the end, the tech guy was not clear in his directions and had the nerve to act like I was annoying him!! Finally, I just pulled the oh, my husband will have to look at it and call you back. I was just so annoyed...I am pmsing and I literally thought I was going to start crying because I was so aggravated!! And believe me, I feel as though I am pretty tech savvy! I used to work for a technology company for goodness sake! Granted, I am no computer designer, but I have some decent skills. SBC told me what the problem was, but HP still made me go through a bunch of crazy troubleshooting. They even had me unscrew the bottom of the computer to take out the wireless card and put it back in. I was so nervous doing this. I felt like I was going to break something. Well, I am totally throwing this one onto DH. I just do not have the patience to deal with it.

On another note...Wednesdays are the only night DH gets home at 5pm and has no hockey so he is here to help put the babies to bed. His parents are moving so of course, they asked for his help. Guess what day it is on...Wednesday!!! I live for Wed...having an extra pair of hands makes such a huge difference! Yes, I am totally being selfish in my thinking. It is just that he has been gone most of the weekend for hockey. Then more hockey all next week everyday except Wed, which he will be gone all night moving his parents. So basically, I am on my own until the following Wed.

Wow, I just reread that and realized how much I am rambling. However, if I do not get this off my shoulders, I am never going to sleep tonight. I guess I am just feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and pretty lonely right now. Then there is a part of me that feels guilty because coaching brings in some much needed money for us.

I am just a mess right now. Even as I write this, I realize how crazy it all sounds, especially compared to so many other DH situations on here. I have nothing to complain about. DH is such a wonderful father and husband. I truly could not ask for anyone better.

Ok, I am down venting. I just needed to get it out before I laid down to go to sleep! Thanks for listening (lol).

Valerie

vthompson

11-27-2006, 06:27 AM

Where the heck has everyone been? Well, I am feeling better. I think I was just being overly emotional. Of course, I also feel bad for complaining about DH's schedule. He decided to take a couple hours off this afternoon so he could come home and spend some time with us. He really is amazing to me!!

Not much else going on here. Just wondering where everyone is!!

Valerie

vthompson

11-27-2006, 07:36 AM

Lisa - What an awful time you are having! I am glad that they figured out what is wrong with your dad and that there is treatment for it. I will continue to pray for him. I was so happy to see you posted. I have been thinking about you! I cannot even believe what is going on with you and DH. I really hope that you are able to work things out. I am sure he is just overreacting. Please keep us posted. Believe me, I really wish we lived closer! I am definitely closer to you then most of my friends here in Ohio. I share more on this forum then I do with most of the people in my life!!

Valerie

AndreaR

11-27-2006, 08:14 AM

hi gals - don't have too much time, but i feel bad that i haven't been able to post lately.

lisa - sorry to hear about the dh problems. like valerie said, i hope you are able to work things out. you certainly didn't need the added stress last week. glad to hear that they seem to know what is causing your dad's problems. i hope he's on the mend soon. i know just how you feel about being daddy's girl and not being able to think about life without him (and i am the favorite too - of seven! - lol!).

valerie - please don't apologize about venting (haven't we all learned that yet?!). i'm glad that you have an outlet to let everything off your chest. that's why we're here. and glad to hear that dh is taking some time to be with you and K&C.

we had a very nice holiday, but struggled with the overstimulation/lack of sleep.

i'm trying to get ready for christmas, and i feel overwhelmed, because i feel like i only have about 2 hours a day to do EVERYTHING (including feed & bathe myself!). but i know it will all get done.

the girls will be six months old on friday. i can't believe it. izzy is rolling over like crazy (but not to travel, just flips every time you put her on her back). maddie will now roll to her side, so i don't think it will be too much longer. izzy says "dada" - well, it's really "dadadadadadada" and i don't think she means daddy, but we're counting it as her first word.

have a good day everyone!

andreaR

mmzill

11-27-2006, 12:20 PM

Hey ladies~

Sorry I've been off here for so long. My mom and sister and families have been here. So we have been very busy.

Had a really nice Thanksgiving. And on Saturday we went to the Columbus OH Zoo. That was a lot of fun!

Well, just wanted to post real quick. Got to run - fussing babies.
~Monica

swineland

11-27-2006, 02:56 PM

Just checking in to say hi.....

We got back from SW FLorida yesterday around 1pm, traffic wasn't bad at all and the babies did great on the 4 hour drive (they watched Einstein and had a ball!) We are totally ready for the convertible car seats now though. Their little feet are dangling over the edge and forget putting them in the stroller in their carriers, it just doesn't work anymore. Any suggestions? The Britax ones are the best, and the most expensive. I just can't see us dropping $600 on car seats for two babies. I also don't want a flimsy piece of crap either.....just have no clue what to get. The Britax seats look comfy....all soft and moulded to their bodies. Some of the other cheaper ones look stiff and not so comfy.

I'm hanging in there for the most part. I've been crying, a lot, thinking about my third baby and what happened a year ago tomorrow. I still know we made the right decision, but I'm just dying to get to a place of peace about it all. I think I never properly grieved. I mean, I cried and felt bad and all, but not until I really got to know my twins did it start to hit me about "baby C". I can't stop wondering, was it a girl or a boy? Would they have looked like E&B? Do I ever tell them they had a sibling? Will I ever look back and not feel guilty? I remember when it all first happened and they told us that one of the embryos had split, thereby giving us the "pair and a spare". I almost felt angry at the "twins" for deciding to split and cause us to have to make this decision. It felt like, here is the one embryo, who did everything it was supposed to, latched on and became viable. Then here comes the second embryo that splits and causes this whole mess. I felt SO bad for the single embryo, like, what did he do wrong?? Of course, that whole mentality is silly and juvenile, but that's how it felt. Anyway, I know one day I will find that peace I am looking for, that sense of closure. Whether it will be in another baby or just when it all suddenly makes sense, I don't know. But for now I'm incredibly sad, though the only thing that makes it better is when I hold the twins and see them smile. They recently started hugging and playing with the Build A Bear monkey that some of you know about. It warms my heart....

And Andrea, yes, you are right about not having to apologize anymore for venting, sharing depressing stories, etc. We should all know by now that no apologies are needed. So, with that, I'll say thank you for reading and for your kind thoughts and I don't know what I'd do without you guys.

Steph