May 2006 Parents

[Mommyhas4]

I am going to start this thread and when we are all finished we can jump over here and book mark this thread instead. It's what the April board did and I think it's easier.

-Jeanette

[SarahK]

I think Don will move the thread to the right forum - just ask him. Then you won't lose your history of your pregnancies.

[Mommyhas4]

I thought about that, but the April thread seemed to like the fresh start and that way new mommies can join us without feeling like we are clickish.... I don't know it just seemed easier....

-Jeanette

[Mommyhas4]

Ok, so are we here now?

-Jeanette

[MendyGA]

I'm here.

Jeanette - I knew I could count on you for an opinion on tummy sleeping. ;) Thanks for all of the facts. Thanks, too, for getting us all moved to a fresh thread.

Teresa - Maybe you could post the list of May moms on this thread so that we have that info on here for reference.

Erinn - I bf my babies but for the last feeding of the night around 10:30 I pump and then add a little formula. They can go at night anywhere from 4-6 hrs.

Mendy

[Layla]

Hi everyone. Can someone please tell me how to add a pic to my posts?

The boys had a doctor's appt. yesterday and they are up to 7.3 and 7.6. I couldn't believe it since I have been nursing exclusively for almost a week now.

Hope everyone is getting some sleep. Unfortunately we're not...the babes seem to want to eat every 2-2.5 hours at night!

[teresa67]

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May Mom's expected due dates

littlebear May 1st
NYMom May 4th Congratslations!!!
DustyMack May 5th G/G ID Congratulations!!!
Tracyjohn May 8th
ChocolateM&M May 8th B/G Congratulations!!!

MindyinNY May8th FRAT May 8th G/G Congratulations!!!
MendyGA May 9th B/B Congratulations!!!
Twins5&6 May 10th Congratulations!!!
momoftwinsn2todlers May 11th Congratulations!!!
Mearl66 May 13th B/GCongratlations!!!
Twinsmomtobe06 May 13th B/?
Layla May 14th B/B Congratulations!!!
Melis May 15th G/G Congratulations!!!
Rlrose313 May16th Congratulations!!!
2jellybeans May 17th

1sttimemama May 17th B/G
2BunzinD.oven May 18th B/GCongratulations!!!
sunknee May 19th G/G Congratulations!!!Congratulations!!!
kellygavin8704 May 19th B/G Congratlations!!!
JReynolds May 19th G/G ID Congratulations!!!
Bzalmon May 21st Congratulations!!!
Irishmom May 22nd B/G FratCongratulations!!!
Baseballsboys May 22nd B/B
NoleMomma May 22nd B/B
Chrystin May 22nd B/G

twopeas May 23rd B/B Congratulations!!!
Becklynna May 23rd B/G Frat Congratlations!!!
Monique May 23rd B/B ID Congratulations!!!
Vbpinson May 24th
Andtwinsmakethree May25th
ktbear May 28th B/BCongratulations!!!
Surprisedby2 May 28th G/G ID Congratulations!!!
Teresa67 May29th G/G IDCongratulations!!!!

jodyrobinson June 1st B/BCongratulations!!!
Mom22sweetboys June 1st G/G
Tadpoles June 1st Congratulations!!!
______________________________

Our New Arrivals

Congrats to inshockmom / Trish
Sophia Leilani 1 lb 8 oz
Ava Keilani 1 lb 11 oz
01/26/06
_______________________________

DustyMack / Laura
Kara 2 lb 10 oz
Sara 1 lb 5 oz
02/16/06
________________________________

JReynolds / Jeanette
Savannah Nicole 2lb 6 oz 15 in long
Alexandra Marie 2lb 12 oz 16.5 in long
03/10/06
_______________________________

MindyinNY / Mindy
Madeline Georgia 3lb 15 1/2 oz
Naomi Sarah 3lb 14 1/2 oz
03/25/06
________________________________

Melis / Melissa
Addison Elizabeth 5lb 4 oz 18 in long
Macy Alexandra 4lb 10 oz 18 in long
04/03/06
________________________________

twopeas / Erinn
Ian James 4lb 5oz
Noah Andrew 4lb 9 oz
04/06/06
________________________________

sunknee / Sonnie
Analise Hope 3lb 12 oz
Isabella Faith 4lb 6 oz
04/04/06
_________________________________

MendyGA / Mendy
Marshall Judson 5 lb 3 oz 19 in
Collton Thomas 5 lb 10 oz 19 in
_________________________________
Layla / Layla
Kaden Alexander 4lb 14 oz
Layne Andrew 5lb 6 oz
__________________________________
Chocolate M&M
baby girl 5 lb 14 oz 17 3/4 in
baby boy 6lb 8oz 19 in
041106
___________________________________
rlrose313 / Rachael
Allison Juilana 5lb 3 oz
Madison Gabriella 4lb 13 oz
04/10/06
____________________________________
twins5&6 / Diane
Alexander Joseph 6lb 11 oz 20 in
Kaitlyn Elizabeth 5lb 15 oz 18 1/2 in
____________________________________
teresa67 / Teresa
Hallie Joy 5lb 15 oz 18 in
Hannah Faith 5lb 15 oz 18 1/2 in
04/19/06
_______________________________________
2BunzinD.oven / Candice
Eli Antony 5lb 7oz 18 in
Mia Rose 5lb 4oz 18 in
04/20/06
________________________________________
Irishmom/ Jess
Ava Marie 4lb 14 oz 17 1/2 in
Brady Timothy 5lb 4 oz 18 1/2 in
04/24/06
__________________________________________
Momoftwinsn2todlers / Liz
Joan Mae 5lf 9.6oz 18 1/2 in
Christine Hannah 6lb 2 oz 18 1/2 in
04/27/06
_________________________________________
Mearl66 / Mearl
Evan Bruce 5lb 8 oz 17 1/2 in
Nina Kerina 5lb 10 oz 18 in
__________________________________________
JodyRobinson / Jody
Leyton Bentley 5lb 8 oz 18 in
Lincoln Sawyer 5lb 7 oz 18 1/2 in
05/04/06
__________________________________________

ktbear / Kate
Patrick Calvin 4 lbs 14 oz, 18 inches
Gregory Howard 6 lbs 2 oz, 19 1/2 inches
05/02/06
___________________________________________
Misty-r-e / Sarah
Stephanie Ellen 5lb 7 oz
Emily Grace 6lb 6 oz
_____________________________________________
Monique / Monique
Gavin 3lb 14 oz
Cole 4lb 3 oz
_____________________________________________
NYMom / Gloria
Alexandra Elizabeth 5lb 12 oz
Nicholas James 5lb 9 oz ounces
04/13/06
______________________________________________
Beckylynna / Becky
Sydney Addison 5lbs 13 oz 18 1/4 in
Dillon Carter 7 lbs 6 oz 21 in
05/02/06
_______________________________________________
Tadpoles / Georgina
Tallulah Rose
Isabella Grace
_______________________________________________
bzlamom / Susan
Mindy Rose 6lb 1 oz 19in
Simon 6lb 7oz 20 1/2 in
________________________________________________
kellygavin8704 / Kelly
Michael Gavin 7lb 14 oz 20 in
Margart Anne "Maggie" 6lb 10 oz 19 in
05/08/06
__________________________________________________
~ Our Little Angel ~

Baby Sophia Leilani sent to Heaven February 9th
_________________________________________

[teresa67]

Finally got the girl's 2 swings yesterday and they love them and so do I, it's like having an extra pair of hands. They don't like their bounces, so that was a waste of money.

The girls are getting so cute it's hard not to just sit there and hold them. They are much more alert, and sometimes they smile at me, I can tell they get happy and excited when I hold them. I remember with my son I don't think his feet touched the ground until he was about 2 years old because I carried him all the time. I do spoil my kids. I have had to carry both at the same time, I used the sling I got, it's more like a pouch where one baby totally disappears, I have to keep checking that she hasn't rolled on her side in there.


I guess I started my period and am flooding so BAD. I had been bleeding on and off for the whole 5 weeks, but now it's just terrible

[RachelsTwins]

Layla, your not the only one not getting much sleep. Madison has really bad reflux so she is constantly throwing up after her meals. So she eats, throws up, then needs to eat again. Its a constant cycle throughout the day and night. The doctor just increased her dosage so hopefully that will help out. The girls are now a pound difference, so we really need to get Madison to keep that food down.

[NoleMomma]

Thank you for starting the new thread! Maybe now I can keep up...we shall see!

Congratulations to everyone on their new additions! It certainly is exciting!

My boys were born on April 10th. Michael was born at 8:12 pm weighing 4 lbs 11 ozs and 16.5 inches long. Matthew was born at 8:29 weighing 4 lbs 4 ozs and 16 inches long. They were both in the NICU for 9 days because they were too sleepy to eat, but now they are home and doing great. They eat every 3 - 4 hours which seems to be pretty common around here.

Congratulations to again to everyone!

Stacy

[Monique]

I am only getting 3-4 hours of sleep in 30-45 minute stretches. My babies eat back to back, then they have poopy diapers in between feedings, then they want to be held, etc.....I feel like death. Anybody else having a terrible time getting sleep? I cannot seem to get a nap in during the day, so I never catch up. I wonder when this will get better..........

My boys grew 12 oz in 1 week!!! They are 5.5 and 5.12. I am amazed........

I hope you are all doing well. I am not sure if I am having postpartum depression or I am just exhausted and emotional, but I cry alot because I feel like this will last forever, even though I know they will sleep better someday......Anyone else feeling like this?

[Mommyhas4]

Monique: The depression is normal to a certain extent. I feel like my fog is just lifting and my girls are going on 3 months old. I can't believe they are still only 6 lbs at almost 3 months....

Anyway, if you are having other than the blues, like serious harmful thoughts, that is NOT normal and you should call your ob right away.

Maybe you can get a sitter for an afternoon to watch the girls while you sleep. Are you breastfeeding? Could you pump a bottle or 2? Just getting 4-5 hours in a row will lift you right back up.

-Jeanette

[2BunzinD.oven]

Monique- I am sorry you are feeling so bad and down. I felt that way for about 3 weeks or so. I am finally feeling semi-normal again and we are at 6 weeks. Do you have any help? I pump and have dh feed the babies at midnight. They sleep in their room, with my mom or MIL, until they wake again at about 3am then I take over. We move them into my room at that time and dh heads out to the couch. So I am getting one stretch of 4-6 hours. We are lucky enough to have my mom or MIL staying with us though. I don't know how I would do it without their help. It will get better, I hated the crying stage, it was worse for me than being pregnant. Are you having any dreams about hurting the babies? I was told to watch out for that, it could be more severe post-pardom depression. Sleep makes all the difference.

Stacy- Congrats on the babies. I am happy you are all home.

Teresa- Mine don't like the swing or thebouncer. Lucky me. They do like their boppy pillows. I use them like little chairs for them to sit/lay in. They sleep in them on the couch, sit in them and I talk to one while feeding the other, we love them. I am hoping they will start to like theswing and bouncers soon.

Layla- Last week Eli ate every 2 hours and this week it is Mia. So it sounds like we have the same schedule.

Mendy- I am trying your trick tonight. How much formula and how much breastmilk? I guess I will try 2oz breastmilk and 1oz formula. We will see, I would love a 4 hour stretch.

Well my MIL left today and my mom comes back tomorrow. I can't wait for her to see the babies. I know she will be amazed at how much they have grown. We are finally fitting in our newborn clothes!! Yea, I get to play dress up finally.
Jeanette- Thanks for making the official anouncement to move over.:D

[teresa67]

Monique......I know you must feel terrible getting no sleep. They will start to go longer between feedings before too long. Is there anyone that can help you out? Are you breast or bottle feeding?

[twopeas]

Monique - I could have written your post! I know exactly how you feel... since Tuesday morning I've had a total of about 6.5 hours of sleep. I'm exhausted, crying and starting to get a sore throat (so probably wore myself down enough to get sick on top of it). I'm feeling pretty sorry for myself. We can support each other... PM me if you want.

The lack of sleep, etc is one of the reasons I asked everyone who has babies who are sleeping longer if they are breast or bottlefeeding at night. I'm probably going to quit breastfeeding as soon as I can figure out how to and move to formula. Mainly because I'm so exhausted and it's nearly impossible to deal with a 2 year old and trying to breastfeed two (or even one) babies and pump too. I'm overwhelmed...

[ktbear]

Monique:

Our boys all share a birthday (5/2/06!) and I feel the same way you do....my boys are waking every 3 hours to be fed (formula) and then by the time I change them, feed them, burp them, cuddle them and get them back to sleep there is like 45 minutes until they are up again to be fed. Pat is my cranky one..if he isn't fed exactly at 3 hours (you could set your watch by it) then he WAILS! I am ok with letting him squak a little but the boy HAS SOME LUNGS ON HIM!

Anyway, I think it will get better soon...I HOPE. Hang in there...got to go...my little alarm clock is squaking as we speak.

[teresa67]

Erin......I'm bottle feeding and we are going 3 hours between feedings at night, sometimes longer. During the day it's 4 hours. I just increase their formula from 3 ounces to 4 ounces and it seems to satisfy them better and they are sleeping longer. My girls are on Enfamil Lactofree.

[momoftwinsn2todlers]

It is just so busy I never get a chance to get online for long. Both girls are gowing so good. I cant wait untill the 30th to find out how much they weigh. My guess is 8 and 7 lbs. They are getting so chubby. I think its because of the cereal in their bottles. My doctor recomended that I give them cereal in their bottles, and karo syrup for constipation. Ive been lving it. We still wake them up every three hours during the day to eat but at night they wake them selves up to eat i give them thier last bottles at midnight and they wake up at 5 to eat again. Joan the little one would sleep all night but i wake her up and feed her at the same time as i feed christine. I am worried about joan not wanting to eat more than 3 oz without throwing up. Christine just started eating 4 - 4 and a half oz. I get little hints of a smile but not a full one yet i am worried about that too. they smile alot while sleeping but when they are awake all i get is half ones. Glad to hear everyone else is doing ok.
Liz

[NoleMomma]

Monique,

One of the nurses in the NICU told us that at night the best way to get the babies to go back to sleep faster is if you keep it fairly dark and don't talk/cuddle at night. She suggested doing that more in the day time. My husband works about 14 hours a day, so I do all the night feedings and day feedings by myself. He usually does 1-2 of the feedings, like at 7 and/or 11 pm so that I can shower if I need to or finish dinner, etc. Ours eat usually every 3-4 hours during the day and closer to 4 at night...they are also on stricly formula...Similac Neosure. I also swaddle them at night and that seems to help them sleep. Sometimes they wake up a little earlier and I pat them and they will usually fall back asleep. It takes me alone about 1 1/2 hours to feed, change, and then sometimes change again at night, so I am getting a good 2 - 2 1/2 hours after that of sleep. Hopefully some of our suggestions will work for you.

Teresa...mine love the swings, too, but don't seem comfortable yet in the bouncer, either. I even had both of them in bouncer together when they were really small just to try it out, and they seemed to like it then, but now they are too big together and move too much, but they don't really care for it.

Stacy

[teresa67]

Monique......I agree with Stacy, are you swaddling? My girls sleep so much better if they are swaddled. They have outgrown the halo sleep sacks and now I am wrapping them in a receiving blanket.

[2BunzinD.oven]

Erin- I am breastfeeding and we make it 2-3 hrs at night. When dh gives them a bottle they take about 3oz. So not much sleep here either. I just make sure I get sleep from 10pm to 3am if possible. But like I said we are so lucky we have help.

I am going to try to eat dinner before those little wake again to eat. They will as sson as I sit down with my plate, it never fails. It is that mommy radar that Teresas grls have, mine have it too.

[Surprisedby2]

Monique/Erin/Kate- I'm sorry your babies are keeping you up all night. May 2nd must have been the night owl b-day! I change and feed every 3 hours, but I don't rock back to sleep. They are also swaddled at night and usually go right back to sleep. Do you have a friend or relative that can come by for 2 hours durng the day so at least you could get a nap? Sounds like you are in desperate need of sleep. When my son was colicy I would sometimes put him in his crib and close the door after he was fed and chaged. I would then take a 2 hour nap. I was so tired that I would start to shake. It really helped me do a better job, and I didn't feel so overwhelmed. I felt guilty at the time, but it did make a huge difference. He is now a happy 3 year old. It will get better.
Teresa- Glad to hear the swings are a hit. I love to hold the babies too. They seem to take turns waking up during the day. So I'm able to give them some alone time with me.
Susan- My dh told me to go ahead and get a 2 seated jogging stroller. I guess he had thought he was not up for a daily babysitting job.:rotflmbo: I love when things are "his" ideas.

[dustymack]

Well Sara has had her feeding tube out since thursday but just does not want to eat she will take 5-35 ccs and that is it and it is a fight to get that in her she lost the 15 grams that took her a week to gian plus 10 more. I have been feeling very frustrated and depressed over it all and just want her home with us.

[ktbear]

Dusty:I am sorry to hear that Sara is still not home yet. Hopefully she will get the hang of feeding soon..


Mine don't care for swaddling at all. They both work at getting free of the blanket and whine if they can't...they both LOVE their bouncy chairs though, and both sleep like rocks in their car seats. The swing has mixed reviews..Greg could sit in it for hours..Pat doesn't care for it at all right now.

For those on formula..how much are they taking at a feeding. Greg is plowing through 4 oz (he is just under 7 lbs now) and I am wondering if I should up it to 6 oz (make 6 oz and see if he will take more than the 4 oz) but he hasn't decreased his time to the next feeding so I am thinking he is ok with the 4...Pat is taking 3-4 oz (he is at about 5 1/2 lbs) but he is inconsistant...some feeding he takes 2 oz some 4 oz. Wasn't there some formula as to how much they should be taking at each feeding based on weight?

[teresa67]

Laura......I'm sorry to hear that Sara lost weight. I said a prayer for her this morning

Kate.....when I say mine love swaddling they don't really love it, they squirm too, but I swaddle them nice and snug and they fall back to sleep, if I leave it a little bit loose they wiggle out of it too. I think the secret is a tight swaddling like they did at the hospital. Jeanette knows the formula.

Kim.....my girls look like their really losing their hair, are your girls still losing theirs?

Georgina......wow you had a rough time. That is what I was afraid of, is that I wouldn't be totally numb when they cut me for my c section, my equidural went upwards like yours did. I felt like I couldn't breathe, I couldn't even swallow. It was horrible, I was panicking the whole time right until the end when everything kicked in and then I was so sleepy it was hard to stay awake. If I could have more children I would never want a c section again.

Jeanette.......how is work going? Are the girl's doing better on the formula?

[jodyrobinson]

Hello Everyone

To those of you not getting any sleep I am so sorry. I still have my parents at my house so if I get to tired I go knock on their door and they feed the boys. Last night was a little rough though. They have their good nights and then their bad. We are bottle feeding and the boys eat 4oz every 4 hours sometimes 3 1/2 hours just depends. I hope things get better for all of you.

The boys go for their one month check up on June 6th can't wait to see how much they weigh. They really like to eat. I didn't realize how many of us had our babies on May 2nd.

The boys don't mind thier bouncey seats or their swings. they havn't sat in them much but don't really care either way. They do like to sit in their boppy pillows. I have a really cute picture of Leyton in his leaning to the side with a big smile on his face. too cute.

Well I will try to post later. Hope everyone has a great day and a good holiday weekend.

Jody

[2BunzinD.oven]

Jody-I love the name Layton, very cute.

Well I tried mixing formula with breast milk for their late night feeding, no difference, soI guess we will just stick to breast milk. I had a good night though. I went to bed at 10pm, dh stayed on the couch and said the babies woke at 1:45am to eat he fed them then I woke up and had to pump. Mia woke up so I layed with her and was able to go back to sleep at about 3am, then they woke at 5am. Then we all headed to the couch and they let me sleep another hour after that. So all in all a goodnight.

My mom flies in today. I can't wait for her to see the babies. She has been gone 3 weeks and they have grown so much. Well happy Saturday to everyone.

Teresa- How can I post a pic I have the account I just can't get the pic on my sig. I can do A link but not the pic.

[twopeas]

Anyone who's using formula... what kind are you using and why? How many cans are you going through in a week? I figured if I bought the Enfamil can from Costco it will last me about 5 days at 4 oz per bottle... Man, is that stuff EXPENSIVE or what!?! I asked the pediatrician about signing up for the free formula, but he didn't know anything about it because they are so pro-breastfeeding. I don't think I can get free stuff unless he does something for me, right?

I've got a ton of breastmilk frozen it nearly takes up the entire freezer in our side by side, but when I went through and figured out how much is there it seems it will only last about 4.5 days ... a real bummer.

Anyone who's quit breastfeeding... how did you do it? I'm gradually extending the time between pumpings. I pump between 4-8 oz per side depending on if it's been 3 or 4 hours since last pumping. Is that a lot? I only nurse once or twice a day and that's all I've been able to do since the boys were born. First because the doctors limited it to 2-3x per day and then because one can't get the latch right and it kills me and the other wants to nurse forever and by the time we're done he's ready to start all over. I'm exhausted and bottlefeeding the breastmilk has been a lifesaver when it comes to someone else taking over a feeding. I figure I might just try to keep nursing in morning and night for a while, but would like to quit pumping the rest of the time. Any suggestions?

I nursed my DD for 14 months and am feeling very sad and guilty that I don't want to continue for the boys. It makes me want to cry...:cry:

[2BunzinD.oven]

Well I fit in to my fat jeans, tightly. But it is a step in the right direction. We are attempting to take the babies out to dinner tonight. A friend of the family is graduating fromm college, and they are celebrating.

Formula- We have similac. I don't use it, but if we needit that is what we use. Our ped. sent in a form and we were sent 2 cases of the pre-made formula. We also were given 6 cans of powder mix in the office.

[ktbear]

Formula: We use Similac Advanced w/Iron. The boys seem to tolerate it well..no reflux issues. I also add a few drops of the Gas drops to each bottle..seems to help, both are good burpers with no gas pains. We are going thru a BIG can every 4 days or so, I really need to check the Sam's Club in our area to see if they have our brand in the REALLY BIG CANS. Similac sent us some nice coupons so I am using those now.

I guess I am not really adjusted to the fact that I have boys now...I was changing Greg's diaper and forgot to cover his penis. He suddenly peed and before I could cover it..it was pointed up and somehow he peed in his own eye!! He was SO angry....after I gave him a bath, I said "but you shouldn't pee in your own eye!" DH thought it was hilarious...:rotflmbo:

[dustymack]

Kate that is funny. Kara got me so many times you think I would learn but with a girl you forget they can pee everywhere too.

Twopeas I use simalacs neosure advance with iron for Kara and they are using a 24 calorie for Sara at TIC. I get 10 cans per month from wic for Kara.
When I had to stop pumping I slowly increased the time between pumpings but I also lessened the length of time that I pumped instead of pumping dry I would pump 10 min. then after a few days I went to 5 min. It has been 4 days since I pumped and I still leak and they hurt every once in awhile but I am finally done.

Kara slept good lastnight so did mommy. Daddy stayed up when mommy went to bed at 6pm to 9pm mommy got up fed Kara a bottle of formula and back to bed by 10pm. Kara woke at 230am drank a bottle of breast milk and right back to sleep by 3am up agian at 530 drank a bottle of formula and is asleep once agian.

[Surprisedby2]

Dusty- I'm sorry that Sara is not coming home this weekend. I know you have waited such a long time already. Hopefully she'll decide to start eating soon.
Teresa- Mine still have hair on the sides, but losing it on top. So they resemble bald little men. If I remember correctly my boys lost all of the hair they were born with by 5 months.
Erinn- Sorry the boys didn't get the hang of breastfeeding. 4-8 oz. per side sounds like a lot to me. You may want to pump for less time and then start skipping a time. It sounds like BFing is taking forever and that you are not able to do anything else. And that is not good for you or your kids.
Candice- Hope you have fun with your mom in town. Yeah! for squeezing into anything that doesn't have an elastic waistband!!!:yippee: I'd love to be in my fat pants in 2 weeks, but for right now elastic bands are my friends. How did dinner go? We haven't gone out to dinner yet. Taking 4 kids to a restaurant sounds like more trouble than its worth! Besides my dh is all excited that I'm cooking "real" meals again. He hates eating out.

[teresa67]

Candice.......on imageshack you use the first code

Kim.......yeah sounds like my girls, their hair looks like an eddy munster haircut, both my other kids lost all their hair and grew back another color, I'm wondering what color the girl's hair will be, right now it's a light brown with a hint of red.


Erin.....I'm using 2 cans of dry formula a week, I wash and make bottles twice a day, I can't believe how many bottles I make everyday.

I'm going to try to post pictures of the girl's today, they have changed soooo much, they are so chubby!

[dustymack]

Sara lost all her hiar right after her surgery but it has all grown back now.

Kara just did the bald guy look last weekend and it is starting to come back in. but the one spot they shaved in the nicu for an iv still has not grown back I told dh we will get her a hiar transplant if it does not grow back:)

[2BunzinD.oven]

My kids arn't loosing any hair, I wonder if they will? Maybe not since they are 6 weeks old. We have a photograher coming over to take pictures today. She approached us at Best Buy and asked if she could take pictures of the babies and use them for her website. Her work is really good and it is free!!!! I hope the babies cooperate for us.

Kim- Dinner went well last night. There were a lot people there so I ate and the babies slept the entire time. Other friends held them, and I got to have adult conversation. It was really nice. Today e are going to try to go to the beach for a BBQ at a friends house. It is so nice to feel normal again.

Teresa- Thanks I am going to try to get that picture on here finally. Your girls are getting so big. They are too cute.They have really changed.

[teresa67]

My Mother came today with my baby dress from 39 years ago and we put it on both girl's to take their pictures.

[Melis]

My girls are on Enfamil Enfacare Lipil which is the 22 calorie. They are taking 3.5 oz every 3-4 hours. They are 8 weeks old and weigh 8.5 pounds.

Candice - My son was born w/a TON of hair and never lost it. My girls still have their head full of hair. I am actually tempted to get Addy a haircut b/c it is so long!

Teresa - did you get your stroller yet?? Kim?? I still haven't decided. I may just order the COmbi Twin Savvy Ex that comes in On Purpose Pink.

Melissa

[TW1NSMOM]

Laura I am so sorry that Sara did not come home yet. I am praying that she will get stronger and come home very soon.

Candice it sounds like you are doing a great job with getting out with your babies. I am so happy for you.

It sounds like my babies are the only ones whose hair are falling out, and getting a bold spot from laying on their backs.

Jogging strollers: I read somewhere, (but don't remember where) that as long as their is enough support in the stroller, babies from 6-8 weeks may ride in them but not when their parents are jogging. Babies can only be jogged with when they are six months or older.

Teresa did you get your stroller? Your girls are getting so big. They are just adorable.

Kim did you order a stroller yet?

I just got my jogging stroller as a gift and my husband is telling me it's a waste of money and I should get something else. He said I have the snap and go and that's a great carriage. I think I have to try Kim's idea.

Susan

[teresa67]

Melissa....it should arrive this week. I saw a jogging stroller in light pink but I'd get it dirty before too long.

Susan......I read the same thing, and since I'm not going to be jogging it should be fine, I only walk real fast plus I want to be able to use it at the beach and through grass:crazy: , I think that's great you got a jogging stroller, they are supposed to be easier to push and able to go more places than a regular stroller, plus I'm excited about taking the girl's out in their little "red" ride.

[Surprisedby2]

Teresa- Your girls are so cute. They really have filled out. They make my poor girls look scrawny. What color of hair do your other kids have? My oldest had brown hair when he was born, but went blond. My second had reddish blond, but its just blond now. We'll have to see what the girls do.
How close are you to the beach?
Dusty- How is Sara doing? Did she eat any better?
Candice- sounds like dinner went well. Its nice to get back to doing normal things. Hope the beach went well. I think most babies lose their hair, but some do it gradually and you don't notice it because their new hair has come in before they lose it all. My kids lose their hair quickly before their new hair has had a chance to come in. Pictures for free! Good for you!:clap:
Melissa- I haven't got one yet. Pink is too cute, but Ill probably just pick up one here in town. they all seem to be green. And I can't see my dh ever pushing a pink stroller.:rotflmbo:
Susan-I've used a jogging stroller when my son was 6 weeks. I just reclined the seat and he seemed to like the ride. I only walked. Just the thought of being left alone daily was enough to convince my dh that I needed one. Plus I used my single jogging stroller all the time.

[Melis]

Hi girls! No one answered me!!!!

THose of you who got the double joggers what did you get and how is it working out?

Those of you ordering one what did you decide on and why?
Melissa

[teresa67]

Melissa......I did answer you:crazy: The stroller should arrive this week. I looked at several jogging strollers online, reading reviews, but it was when I saw the Safari TT at a store in Corpus that I knew that is what I wanted. I always like to check on ebay before I buy something, because chances are it will be there and cheaper. My Mom had wanted to buy the girl's a stroller and when I saw that it came in red I decided that was the one I wanted. It has the swival wheel which I wanted, that can be locked when I go walking on the jogging trail at the park. What I didn't like about it was that on the reviews there was complaints that the sunshade wasn't big enough, I saw that the newer model of the Safari has a bigger sunshade. Also, it doesn't have much storage space, but with a jogging stroller you aren't supposed to be taking alot of gear along. I'm guessing when I use it to go out shopping, I will need to take a smaller baby bag. What I did like about the Safari is the price, I compared features with the more expensive strollers and the Safari had everything the higher priced strollers had.

[teresa67]

Melissa......the other day when the girl's had their dr appt, my husband wanted to go to a few other stores, I told him I was not going if we had to lug around the girl's in their carseats, so he went to burlinton and bought this stroller for the girl's to use that day.

http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/IWStoreBCF.process?Merchant_Id=1&proc=IWCatProductPage&Section_Id=1141&pcount=&pn=1&Product_Id=300126


It worked really well, it's basically an umbrella stroller, I snugged the girl's in with a blanket to keep them from slipping down, I reclined the seats and the girl's fell right to sleep. I wish it had a bar in front, but I have a feeling that I will be buying another stroller lol

[teresa67]

Kim ......you need to post another picture of your girls, I know they've grown since that picture. Vanessa was born with red hair, when it fell out it grew back a deeper shade of red. She has absolutely gorgeous straight red hair, and Josh was born with black hair, it came back blonde, but has turned darker and he's has light brown hair now. So it's a mystery what color the girl's will have. The beach isn't close, it's in Corpus, but Martin want's to go down his next day's off and spend a couple of days there.

[NoleMomma]

For those of you that are feeding formula, what are you using? We are using Neosure by Similac and all of a sudden the boys seem to be having lots of gas and a harder time digesting it. I have tried the Mylicon drops, but Michael wakes up shrieking and if I rock him and pat his back, he expels gas and falls back asleep. I thought maybe a different formula would be better. I thought I had read somewhere that if a formula is fortified with iron it can be harder to digest...just like when we take iron supplements they can cause constipation. Any ideas?

Just some input on the strollers...I have the Graco duoglide and it has been great. We have been shopping, to the baseball field, to parties and it isn't too wide and doesn't seem to cause as much attention. But let your husbands know that everyone with twins that I have talked to has said that they have gone through at least 6 strollers...some up to 10. The tires just wear out!

Happy Memorial Day!

Stacy

[teresa67]

This is my son Josh

<a href="http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=josh1pd.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/842/josh1pd.th.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us" /></a>

[2BunzinD.oven]

We just got back from a walk down by the beach. It is so crowded down there. The babies loved the fresh air and slept the whole 2 hours. I want jogging stroller too, I feel left out. maybe if I start jogging first then I can convince dh I need one too. I am really going to try to post a picture now. It has only taken me a week to figure out.

Georgina- I hope you are doing ok and adjusting back to your old surroundings.

[TW1NSMOM]

Candice your babies are so cute and grew so much. I am so glad to hear you had fun at the beach. How did you get around with the babies? Did you take a stroller?

Teresa your son Josh is so handsome. I bet he looks like his Dad. Your girls look just like you.

For those of us with pictures on here be aware there is a sick troll. She made up a story. Read for yourself.
http://www.twinsmagazine.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=45095
I am taking my pictures off for now.

Melissa, my aunt has a juvenile store and sent me my jogging stroller as a gift.
She thinks this is the best out there. She sent me the Mountain Buggy Urban.
Here is a great site that has lots of reviews on the strollers. Check it out.
http://www.windsorpeak.com/reviews/items/Strollers/sbi/rank_known_as_asc/index.htm

I hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day.

Susan

[Monique]

Twopeas, Erin.........I am in the same boat. I bf my boys a couple times a day but they take forever and they get too tired to finish and wake up an hour later to eat again, so they get pumped breastmilk, but I feel like a slave to pumping. I breastfed for a year with my 3 yr old and I feel tremendous guilt.....If they do not do better bfing soon, I might just do formula. I still suplement my bmilk with Similac Neosure (22 cal). I swaddle and I do not cuddle them at night, but they squeak and grunt in the night and they poop several times a night at all times and it bothers them, so I have to chang them. It just takes forever to get through feedings at night.

Thank god, my father in law is coming over tonight to do the whole night so I can get a whole night of sleep.

I guess I feel bad for myself because my husband didn't take one day off so I have had to do everything since the beginning.......

I am so glad that some of you are getting out and about. I just can't get it together enough to do it yet. Soon I hope to get out of the house...

THeresa and Candice........cute new baby pictures.

[Mommyhas4]

Monique: I just had that conversation with my husband - he hasn't taken one day off since the twins were born. Not only that, but every waking moment is spent fixing up the house for sale and I never see him. I think it's an avoidance thing. I had to take him out to dinner a few nights ago and tell him how I was feeling. Things are better (after I slept in the guest room a couple of nights and let him deal with the twins alone) and he says he is taking off every Friday for the next 12 weeks.

Erinn: I was in so much pain for over 2 weeks when I quit breastfeeding I had to use the narcotics that I saved up from my surgery just to get through it. I tried the weaning thing and that never seemed to work for me. Once I got to pumping once a day it was still so painful.
Your pediatrician can call the sales rep for the formula and they will send you a case for each child for free directly to your house.

Kim: We have done restaurants with the 4 a few times now. In fact we went for a pizza for lunch today. If you time it right, the twins sleep right through it. This time we didn’t and I fed while Daddy took care of the toddlers. It wasn’t easy, but it was nice to leave the mess behind for a change.

Stollers - I own or have owned just about every stroller under the sun. I am currently driving the Safari TT and love it. I owned the SafeTech and hated it (front wheel fell off and remains unaccounted for). I also currently have the Tender Twin XL and LOVE that stroller, but hate the under basket. Owned a few Gracos in my day and liked it when there was one, but didn't like the double. Thinking about buying a triplet or quad, but seriously am trying to get my younger ones to walk on their own. Seems to be working with Jackson, but Colin wanders aimlessly.....

-Jeanette

[teresa67]

Susan......thank you, I'm just so proud of him the way he helps me with the twins, I never would have imagined he would be so good with them. That's great about your aunt giving you that stroller, it really is a nice one.

Monique....I know it has to be rough doing it all by yourself because it is alot to do. I hope you do get a good night sleep tonight. I'm the kind of person that can't stand to be at the house all the time, and that's what gets me motivated to get out, I try to simplify everything, the diaper bag is always ready, I throw in a couple of bottles, get the babies and I'm gone. I have the dry mix formula in the diaper bag with bottled water and I can make another bottle when I need one.

[Surprisedby2]

Teresa- Your son is so cute! I thought the beach was kinda far from you, but I'm not an expert. We've only went to San Antonio once. We went to Sea World or as my dh likes to call it, "The hottest place on Earth." :rotflmbo: we went there and to Schlitterbaun. We will probably go to Schlilitterbaun next summer. The beach should be lots of fun. I do miss being close to the ocean. We were going to go to Baja, Mexico and go fishing this summer. But the twins have postponed that now.
Stacy- I don't know anything about formulas. You might want to ask the April thread. I think there are some that tried different brands to find one their babies did well on. Sorry not to be of help.
Susan- I loved your babies photo, but I understand. It would be creepy if someone else used your photo. There are some weird people out there.
Monique- Hope you slept well with your FIL there to help. I'm handling the babies by myself, but dh helps with my older 2. So have been able to sleep in the mornings and he takes care of breakfast. I'm lucky that both of mine eat quickly and fall back to sleep. I'm actually getting more seep than when I'm pregnant. Don't feel guilty if you decide BFing is not working for them. A sane momma is more important than breastmilk. Maybe try formula once and see if they eat faster.
Jeanette- The evenings is the girls awake time. We could do lunch if we worked around feedings, but I'd rather sleep. I thought you had someone to help at night with the twins?

[Mommyhas4]

Well my MIL was here for a while, but she has chronic fatigue syndrome, so I wouldn't let her help me at night.

I have a live in for until the middle of July, but she hasn't taken a night yet. She takes them from 8 AM - 12 N everyday so I can get caught up on my sleep and then sometimes at night when we want to get to a movie or dinner.

SInce I lost my job, I didn't want to rack up a bunch of unnecessary hours but I wanted her to be working a bunch since she needs to pay off her car, so I am loaning her out to my twins club. She has been busy non-stop and loves it. I think she worked about 80 hours this week which is way more than I wanted to use her anyway....

-Jeanette

[Surprisedby2]

Jeanette- Your location cracks me up.:rotflmbo: :rotflmbo:

[teresa67]

Kim your girls are so pretty

[2BunzinD.oven]

Kim- The girls are getting big, they are filling out. They are so cute.

Teresa- Your son is very handsome, good looking guy. That is great that he is so helpful.

My mom is here again. It is nice to have her help. My Dad and brother are coming next week and we rented beach house for the week. I am excited to have them here for a week and let them get to know the babies. It will be nice to have their help too. I am sure dh will like the rest also. He can stay a few nights by himself at our house and he can get some quiet sleep for once. I wish I could, but I have the boobs.

[Mommyhas4]

I changed it because of the trolls on here lately. You all know I really live in the NE, but I used to be a Southern girl, so that is an old southern joke.

Some people say they live in LA - Lower Alabama... :rotflmbo:

-Jeanette

[2BunzinD.oven]

Susan- The beach was great. We took the stroller and the babies just slept the whole time. It was beautiful weather and it was nice to get out. I can't wait to be able to put them in the stroller without their carseats.

[dustymack]

Hi all
Kara is doing good sleeping in her crib right now. She is pooping on her own most of the time I am going to ask the dr to change her formula since the neosure seems to be giving her so much trouble.

Sara is still giving us bottle issues. She knows how to eat she just does not want to, she is gianing some wieght finally yesterday she was 4lbs 13.2 ozs. We are hoping to hit 5 lbs by the weekend. We are going to nest with her agian on friday night but are going to try to bring Kara along so it will be our first true night as a family of 4.

[Melis]

Hey Laura - IT's your Pittsburgh buddy! I am so happy that Kara is doing so well. It will be so exciting to all be together on Friday. Now, are you nesting b/c they think Sara may come home this weekend or do they just let you do that regardless to bond as a family?? Either way it's great.

Jeannette-I just got the book! YEah, thank you so much. I just scanned through real quick so far. Oh, unfortunately we won't be coming out to Long Beach Island. The home we always rent went monthly is now $3000 a week for June, goes up to $8000 July and August. So, we won't be coming out w/my hubby. He'll continue to stay in a hotel out there. IT's a real bummer. Oh well.....

Candice - AHHH!! THE TORTURE! All this talk about the beach! You are so lucky. Good for you getting those babies out and about. We took the girls to the lake (don't laugh) on Monday but they stayed for about 5 minutes and my hubby took them home (only 10 min away) and I stayed w/myson. It was just too humid for them. We were able to shade them but it was just too hot. R U Using the snap n go at the beach? I am thinking not b/c you said you can't wait to get them out of their carseats. Just wondering what you had and how it was.

Well, off to do one of the routine jobs we have - washing 30 bottles!!!! I'm sure you can all sympathize.
Melissa

[dustymack]

Melis no Sara is not coming home yet we are just bonding as a family. Maybe some monday we can meet at idlewild park since you have those passes:) .

This is a great website with wonderful toys Sara loves their mobiles so I ordered 2 through there multiple birth program all there products are buy one get one with twins.

http://www.tinylove.com/multiple_births_program.aspx

[inshockmom]

Hi guys! Glad to see you over here! Will try and post later and read thru all yours and look at baby pics of course! Ava is fussing so I gotta run!!

[Tadpoles' Mum]

Hi Everyone,

Isn't it funny how nobody has the time to post much these days - wonder why???????

All going great here, George has been catching up on reading posts but hasn't had time to post much herself yet. I've put on this photo I took yesterday - you can see how well she is doing, I think she's looking GREAT!

Babies are feeding (most of the time!) and growing like mad - no doubt George will give a full update as soon as she can.

We managed to get out today - so far we've only managed a hurried trip to the doctors, and another very short walk around the local village,but today we went shopping with all three girls - hard work but good fun. Now I know what you mean about other people's reactions! I must admit I think if I saw someone out with new twins I would probably look and smile, but I really don't think I would go and stick my head in the pushchair!!!!!!!!!

Sounds like everyone's doing fine - the only problem I'm having is trying to remember what I did with my life before it got completely turned upside down a few months ago! (I'm sure I DID have a life!)

Rae

[Melis]

TO those of you who already sent/called for the twins freebies did you get anything yet? If so, who did you get it from, what did you get, how long did it take, and did you mail or call to get free stuff? I would like to know b/c I just sat down and mailed a few and am wondering if there are any worthwhile that I missed.
MElissa

[2BunzinD.oven]

Melissa- I did not laugh at you. I grew up in the mountains so I am a lake girl. I love the lake. We are using our grco duoglider and both carseats click in. I like it, I just want to stop having to use the carseats. Hopefully soon. The back seat reclines all the way but not the front seat. I like how it pushes and turns though. Glad you got out with your son. Have fun with the bottles. I only wash about 4 per day and that is too many, so I can only imagine.

Rae- You make me laugh. Yes, the reactions are interesting. I never thought so many people felt like they had the right to touch my babies and ask so many questions. Oh well, what do you do? Georgina looks great. I love that picture. Thanks for the update.

[ktbear]

About all the Twins Questions...my DH wants to make up a sheet of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) that he wants to give out to the complete strangers ask questions about the twins...I think he is NUTS (although it does sound kind of appealing in a way) He does crack me up sometimes...maybe that's why I let him live.

[Mommyhas4]

Quick post - too much going on here.

Melissa: I got lots of samples (Flanders Butt Cream) and lots of coupons (Ocean Spray) for free items and discounts. Ocean Spray gave me a coupon for a free bottle and another coupon for 50 cents off.

Of course the Diaper Genie gives you a $7 rebate - I got that one already.

Got tons of coupons from Gerber, JnJ, McNeil (which is owned by JnJ) and others.

Got 2 cases of free formula from our rep at the pediatrician and about 6 more free cans from mailing in and asking for it.

Most of it didn't take long to get back.

Things are good here at my house, but the family is in crisis mode because we just found out that my 3 1/2 year old nephew has leukemia. Not sure what kind yet, or what it means, but you can imagine the sobbing and phone calls that have gone back and forth....

Tired and gotta get some sleep.

-Jeanette

[TW1NSMOM]

Laura I hope you enjoy your nesting time with Sara, and that she comes home real quick.

Jeanette I am so sorry to hear about your nephew. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope he does not have to go on chemo for long.
That's great news about the formula.

Melissa I bought some mobiles and carriage toys from Tiny Love. They have a great twin discount. Buy one item get the second one free. If you spend $65.00 or more shipping is free.
I also got some coupons in the mail from Tylenol. And got a parenting book from Allstate insurance. (not my insurance carrier.)

Trish it's great to hear from you. How big is your Ava now? Has she started to smile yet?

Kate my DH is like yours. He wants to get a t-shirt with all that info on the back, and Hands off my babies in the front.

Rae thanks for keeping us updated. That picture of Georgina is gorgeous. You know it's really funny, we all had a life before the twins, now we have to find one with the twins. Doing every day simple tasks are more challenging with the babies, and a toddler who loves the babies a little too much, and thinks they are her babies. My two year old, keeps on saying, she'll feed or dress the babies for me. It's really cute, if she wasn't so serious about it.

Kim I am in the same boat as you. We have evening time fussy babies. My babies are very fussy every night from about 5 pm to 10 pm. Then they wake up every 2.5 hours like clock work. They never give me more than that. They do wake up earlier some times.

Who still swaddles their babies? My Sammy needs to be swaddled or right next to Mindy to feel comfortable. He gets very annoyed when he's undressed to change his pamper.

Have a great night of sleep.

Susan

[Mommyhas4]

Well Patrick is going to the Child Cancer Center in Atlanta today. When they told the receptionist how long he has been sick they fit him in for an appt this afternoon. So glad that there are some caring people when it comes to stuff like that.

Of course everyone is on pins and needles. No one knows what to say and no one wants to say the wrong thing. I hate picking up the phone.

-Jeanette

[teresa67]

I had written a post to everyone but when I sent it I was logged out and lost all of it.

Jeanette.....we will hope and pray for your nephew.

[jodyrobinson]

Hello everyone

I have been reading everyones post dh put the computer in the basement and I have a hard time getting down there but am caught up now. Everyones new pictures are so cute. We have gotten out a few times with the babies. They are really good and hardly ever cry which is nice. The last two nights have been really good. They sleep for 4 hours and then we get up to eat then they go right back to sleep so I have been getting sleep. My parents left on Tuesday its nice to have my house back but kind of lonely around here. Glad to hear everyone is doing well. I am tring to convince dh that we need a different stroller but he doesn't think so. Mine is so heavy and big.

Laura- I hope Sara gets to come home soon I know it has been a long journey for you and your family. That is nice you get to nest with her.

Jeanette- I am so sorry to hear about your nephew I hope everything goes ok. I will say a prayer for him.

Candice- the beach sounds so nice. Dh and I are thinking about going to his class reunion in July back in Iowa and maybe stoping at the lake of the ozarks on the way just to take a mini vaction and see some water.

Kim and Teresa- Your girls are so cute. It is amazing how much they change day to day.

Well I will chat with you all later.

Jody

[inshockmom]

Susan- Ava is now 7 lbs 8 ozs and yes, she smiles. They are awesome but hard to catch on film. She is doing good, but has "colicky" episodes. Talk about wanting to pull my hair out! EEK!

Everything is going pretty good, trying to figure out what to do with myself this summer as my dh will be out of town a lot. I think I am going to go stay with my sister in NC, visit with her and my BIL before he goes back to Iraq. Other than that I am just trying to work through the issues due to Sophia's loss and trying to figure out how to be a mom! I'll check back later...Ava is finally taking a nap and I gotta get some stuff done!

[2BunzinD.oven]

Laura- I hopeyou enjoy your nesting with Sara. I hope you can bring Kara too, that wouldbe so nice to feel like a family. all four of you. I hop it works out for you and you can tell us about it soon.

Jeanette- So sorry to hear about your nephew. I hopehis appoinment goes well at least he was able to get right in.

Jody- The trip sounds nice. I am sure the lake will be wonderful.

Trish- So good to hear from you. It sounds like things are going well. Visiting with your sister and bil will be fun.

Today was a clean the house day. The babies slept really well last night. I feel rested. We still are hoping for a four hour stretch but hopefully it will happen soon.Has anyones babies smiled yet? Not a sleepy smile but a real "I meant it" smile.

[TW1NSMOM]

Tris Ava got so big and is sitting so nicely. I am so sorry to hear that she is colicky. I had two babies that were true colicky they had and still have very sensitive stomachs. If you want to hear any tips let me know and I will give you my two cents. Have fun in NC visiting your sis.

Candice how does it feel to have a clean house????????? I can't wait for that day that I can clean the house and let it stay clean for more than 10 minutes.

Jody have fun travelling. How did you get the babies to sleep for four hours? I hope you feel very rested.

Jeanette I hope everything goes all right for your nephew. Sending a prayer for him.

Got to run crying baby calling.

Susan

[Mommyhas4]

Well they said no cancer in his blood. They said that it could be in his bone marrow and they are going in to look tomorrow. The good news is that they told us that they will know right away, before they leave the doctor's office if he has it for sure.

Problem is that would mean a bone marrow transplant and they didn't bank any cord blood so if his sisters aren't a match he would have to go to the registry. Still hoping for the best, but scared as to what it could be if it's not leukemia as leukemia is 88% curable in kids under 10.

-Jeanette

[2BunzinD.oven]

Ahhhhhhh! Both babies are down for a nap. Tonight is bath night. I just get n the bath tub and have my mom or dh pass me a baby. It is much easier than filling up the baby bath.

Susan- Yes, it feels great to havea clean house. It doesn't last long though.

Jeanette- That is good news so far for your nephew. Please keep us posted. Why did they originally think he had leukemia?

[inshockmom]

Jeanette- glad to hear no blood cancer. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Candice- my dh came home from work and was all touchy feely cause Ava was sleeping and I was trying to put away laundry and clean up and he got all mad cause I was cleaning...ugh, it may not bother him, but drives me insane!

Susan- will take any and all advice.

Laura- how are you? I will keep your girls in my prayers!

Gotta run!

[Layla]

Candice - no real smiles yet, only ones that I've now learned mean "watch out, I'm going to puke all over now!" I laughed when I read the description of your typical night on your site. Sounds exactly like ours with the spitting out of the soothers and just getting settled when the other baby starts. Only at our house you can add in my three year old pulling down his underwear and peeing on the livingroom carpet in front of me!

[Mommyhas4]

Candice: He is showing all the major symptoms. Fever, swollen lymph nodes, major major joint pain. He was in the hospital for a week because he couldn't walk because of joint pain. They are fairly sure that is what it is, but there is always the outside chance. Thank goodness we only have to wait until tomorrow to get some answers.

Layla: I am so over the potty training thing. I just spent $300 to get our carpets cleaned because our 2 1/2 year old peed on the sofa and on the carpet and now he has our 1 1/2 year old tearing off his diaper and following suit. I am at my wits end.

Well the nanny has the girls for the night and I am going to make love to my husband and sleep all night......:throb:

-Jeanette

[dustymack]

good morning everyone

KARA SLEPT FOR 5 AND A HALF HOURS LASTNIGHT:yippee: . Kara went to the dr yesterday and wieghed in at 9lbs 4 ozs:clap: , they are switching her formula we are trying lactofree if she does not poop on that we will go to a soy formula.

Sara took 2 good feedings yesterday 40cc each then refused and fussed when mommy tried ti feed her. her wieght before her bath which daddy gave her was 4 lbs 12.7 ozs.

Tonight is the night we try it with both girls, tonight we are sleeping at TIC Mommy Daddy Kara and of course Sara, all together for the whole night:throb: .

[MendyGA]

Good Morning!

Trish - It's so good to have you back! Ava is so cute and so big!

Jeanette - My nephew was 8 when he was diagnosed with AML leukemia and he is now in remission at 12 yrs old. I live in the Atlanta area and Children's Healthcare is an amazing hospital so he is in good hands! They should also consider St Jude's in Memphis if it is cancer. St Jude's specializes in children's cancers and if they don't have good insurance, St Jude's will not charge them any more than what their insurance will pay.

Laura - That is so sweet that you all can be together through the night. Enjoy!

Candice - I know how you feel about a clean house. The cleaning people came on Wed and the house looks and smells so clean now. Too bad it gets so cluttered so fast. I am so envious of you going to the beach; we decided to forego the beach trip this year since we felt like it would not be very relaxing with 2 babies (same work, different location).

Rae - I love the pic of Georgina! I hope that she is enjoying every second of being home and being with India and the twins.

Susan - I am no longer swaddling. I have started sleeping the boys on their tummies and swaddling doesn't work too well with that position. They are sleeping so well, though. They are going down for naps with little fussing and they are sleeping 4-5 hours consistently at night. It feels so good to finally be getting some decent sleep. I also moved them into their room and their cribs this week and that is going great - better rest for me in my room without the constant noise and activity of the babies. Since dh travels all week, I'm glad to not feel so worn out each morning. I also got a 2-hr nap yesterday which was absolutely divine.

I finally sorted out all of the hospital bills and EOB's yesterday so I could figure out what we owe and it is not as bad as I thought. Of Colton's $28K NICU bill, our portion is $1200. Thank God for insurance!!

Well, I need to go settle down Marshall; he is crying instead of napping.

Mendy

[MendyGA]

Glad I sorted through the hospital bills and EOBs b/c the hospital just called trying to collect $623 for something that I don't owe anything for per my insurance company. Since I was able to quickly pull everything out, I was able to explain to the man what ins eob stated and he then saw that there was an error on the hospital's part. I don't want to pay for anything more than I have to...

He just called back again and offered me a 10% discount for paying my portion of the hospital bill that I do owe (not the $623 but the portion related to deliver) today. I saved $72. Since I now measure everything in terms of "how many packages of diapers", that will get me 7 packs, which will last about two weeks.

Wow, what good timing...

Mendy

[Mommyhas4]

Mendy: You are funny. I did the same thing the other day. I should have been doing our taxes, but I did the medical instead. So far, I haven't found a single error other than insurance billing everything as out of network instead of in, but I called them and they are redoing it all. Our total for all 3 is going to be around $4k. Not bad considering what the actual bill was.

-Jeanette

[inshockmom]

How much did all your NICU bills come to by the way? I am just curious. Ava's final bill was $208, 500 dollars and that was for 79 days. We still haven't gotten Sophia's which I consider odd since she passed at 2 weeks. Luckily our insurance pays it all, but it has been a struggle cause we were out of network, we have Tricare North and I delivered in South, so it has been a nightmare...Anyway, I was just curious.

[inshockmom]

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/b716c2ab.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/101_0672.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/101_0607.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/101_0586.jpg


Enjoy!!

[inshockmom]

GRRRR....let me try again

[inshockmom]

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/b716c2ab.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/101_0672.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/101_0607.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/101_0586.jpg

[inshockmom]

dang, i guess just click....

[MendyGA]

Colton was only in the NICU for 6 days and his bill was $28K but then the hospital deducted $10K as an "adjustment" (probably a contractual thing with the insurance company). So a net of $3,000 a day ($200 a day for our portion).

Trish - Ava is so cute! What a little miracle she is! Have you gotten everything unpacked and gotten settled in at home yet?

Mendy

[Mommyhas4]

Alex was about $111k and Savannah was $97k approx. Mine was around $20k.

Well they found cancer cells in his bone marrow and told his parents it was leukemia. Then they did some other tests to find out what kind of leukemia and it came back that it's not leukemia. So the doctor told them that it can only be a tumor that has matastized (sp?) into his bone marrow. Bottom line is that they are giving him a 10% survival rate.

It's all consuming right now....

-Jeanette

[teresa67]

Jeanette I'm so sorry, there are miracles all the time, let's pray for one for him

[mearl66]

Jeanette: Just read your post about your nephew, my prayers go out to him and your family. Teresa is right miracles happen all the time.

-Mearl

[Mommyhas4]

Thanks guys. It's been really hard on Garrett. He is trying to figure out if flying there would be a help or a hinderance. I wish I could find the words. Honestly, it just makes you want to run out and hug your own kids forever....

-Jeanette

[2BunzinD.oven]

Well it sounds like we are all trying to figure out out insurance bills. I have only recieved my portion of the bills and we already reached our max out of pocket. I haven't even seen the NICU bill yet. It was a bad night last night. The babies got off schedule and I should have known better and woken the other one up to eat. Well you live and you learn. So I am a little sleepy today.

Trish- Ava is so cute. Husbands don't really understand clean do they. I tell mine doing the dishes is sexy but he hasn't quite figured it out.

Jeanette- I am thinking about your family today, hoping for good news.

Mendy- I sleep so much better with the babies in their room. I hear all of their grunts, whines, farts, etc. But with all of our helpers staying I have to have them in our room. It would be nice to have a guest room again some day soon.

[teresa67]

The girls make little "horse noises" when they wake up, it makes me laugh, I call them my little ponies.

[inshockmom]

Jeanette- I am so sorry to hear that. I will keep you in my prayers.

Mendy- mostly unpacked, but still frustrating trying to finish it up. We got new bedroom furniture, so now I have to move all the stuff from one set to the next, not a big deal, but I never find the time. :)

Candice- they just don't look at it the same way. FRUSTRATING!!

Well, Ava is fussing....gotta run.

[Surprisedby2]

Jeanette- I'm so sorry to hear about your nephew. I have a 3 year old and I could not imagine what his parents are going through. I hope and pray that he does well in treatment and is among the 10%.
Mendy- Sounds like your boys are getting into a schedule that is liveable for all. I'm actually waking my girls up tonight after a 5 hour stretch of sleep! I guess they knew I could use the rest. the amount of diapers we go through is wild. I need to buy in bulk, but can't find huge boxes of size 1's.
Teresa- Mine are grunters. It makes me laugh.
Dusty- hope you enjoyed nesting. I like the idea of bringing the family to Sara since she is still not ready to go home.
Well, my dh had knee surgery Wed. and it has been crazy ever since. I have to add ice every few hours to a machine to keep the swelling down. We were at the ER from 7:30 P.M.-2:00 A.M. on Thursday because his body had trouble processing the med.s they had him on. Luckily we knew the charge nurse and he got right in or who knows how long we would have been there. Their average wait is 2-8 hours. He is feeling better, but is still real weak. It's a good thing he waited until after the babies were born. I physically couldn't have helped as much as he needs while pregnant.

[becklynna]

Hello and Good Morning ladies. It seems like an eternity ago since I have posted anything. I think of things daily, and try to read, but having a very tempermental 2 yr old on top of the twins is really wearing me down. The 2 yr old is acting out a lot in the last 2 weeks after things starting out so well. She doesn't do anything to the twins, but she refuses to listen and throw temper fits on a regular basis.

The babies are doing well, Dillon won't allow me to nurse him, so he is on all bottle, Sydney is nursing well. I am amazed how different they are. She is long and lean and he is getting really chunky already. They are giving us 1 5 hour block at night and follow that by a 4 hour and DH takes one of those feedings so I am getting sleep as long as the 2 yr old stays asleep. Which rarely happens.

A question for you ladies, Sydney will only take around 3 oz at a feeding and Dillon about 5. I pump for him but don't seem to get to 5. I have frozen quite a bit of milk, but how else can I increase supply? I seem to be pumping longer and still not getting any extra. I know I have frozen but don't want to rely on that, I would prefer to get my production up.

Well we are on our own now no more grandparents to come and stay so I should run and get things done.


Hope all is well.

Becky

[Melis]

KIM - I get my Pampers Size 1 Swaddlers in the big box (there are 200 and some) at Babies R Us. Check there.

We're off to Smokey Bones for lunch - that should take the 5 of us a few hours! lol!
Melis

[MendyGA]

Becky - I had a problem with keeping my milk production up when my boys hit a growth spurt and the lactation specialist suggested the following:
1. eat lots of oatmeal (can be in anything, including cookies)
2. get lots of rest (yeah, right, what is that?)
3. Add an extra pumping or two to the day
4. Pump for 5 minutes after nursing
5. I also started taking Brewer's yeast tablets

Not sure which thing helped but my milk production eventually caught up.

Good luck!
Mendy

[teresa67]

I have a questions for you Ladies:

What is your day like with the twins? As far as what you do when you wake up in the morning, during the day and throughout the night and please post how old they are now. I want to get the babies on some sort of schedule, but I really don't know how.

6a.m. feeding

Nap

9a.m. feeding (what we have done lately is all 3 of us are in my bed and we sleep till 11, if one of them makes a noise I put a bottle in their mouth and after a few sucks they fall back to sleep) I know I'm so bad.

Bath time

after bath they want a snack then it's back to sleep
12 noon feeding

time in swing, awake time, spend time talking, face time

3:00p.m. feeding Mom wants a nap, they nap

6:00p.m. feeding Nothing has gotten done in the house, thinking about waking the babies up so they will sleep good through the night

9:00p.m. feed babies, swaddle them tightly turn on their nite nite music
Now I should be going to sleep too, but too early for me so I go to bed around 10:30 or 11:00

They may wake up at 12, sometimes they go longer to almost 2, then again at around 3ish......heck I don't know I'm doing it in my sleep:crazy:

My days do not always go like this. Sometimes one is fussy and just wants to be held or talked too, most times they just want to sleep on my tummy. Sometimes I have both of them crying and I sit there with both of them. Sometimes they get hungry before feeding time so I feed them, they may eat an ounce and then fall asleep. I'm terrible at schedules for myself.

This weekend my Mom is bringing the jogging stroller and I want to add going for a walk in there somewhere, it has to be in the morning or evening because of the Texas heat.


I would really appreciate all of your input

[MendyGA]

Teresa - Dh and I took a class based on the principles in BabyWise (a book widely available). We know 3 couples with twins and they all swear by it. The premise of the book is that if you keep them on a tight 3 hour schedule during the day they will begin sleeping longer and better at night. So far, it seems to be working for us. Each 3-hr block is the same starting with feeding, then waketime, then sleep. I was lax on the schedule until the last week and what a difference tightening up meant. Here is a sample:

7:30am First feeding of the day
about an hour of awake time and then nap until next feeding

10:30, 1:30, 4:30, 7:30pm - repeat of the above with varying length of waketime and sleep, depending on what the babies seem to be needing. I let them signal to me that they are sleepy (grumpiness, staring off into space for a good length of time, heavy eyes, etc.). Based on the book it is important to put the babies in their cribs while they are still awake; otherwise, you will forever be trying to rock them to sleep and ease them into bed.

After the 7:30pm feeding, I bathe them every other night and then give them their shortest nap of the day (with more waketime before bed). I then wake them for the next feeding at 10:30 and after that let them wake on their own which is usually after 4-5 hrs (even 6 a couple of times). I make sure, though, to start the day again at roughly 7:30am.

After the babies are sleeping more or less through the night, you can then increase the blocks of time throughout the day to 4 hrs or more.

Good luck!
Mendy

[teresa67]

Thanks Mendy I'm terrible at reading books, especially now with the babies, that's why I love having you girls so you can give me hints.

[MendyGA]

Teresa - I was also going to mention that I'm awful at schedules usually but since this one helps me plan my day (i.e. shower time, phone calls, chores, etc.) so I find that it's worth sticking to. Also, once established, you can slide the times 30 minutes as you need to (i.e. due to shopping, visitors, etc.) and be flexible. The strictness matters most in the beginning when getting everyone in synch.

Mendy

[teresa67]

do they want you to wake the babies to feed them if they sleep over a scheduled feeding time?

[MendyGA]

Yes, within 30 minutes of the scheduled feeding. Mine usually begin waking right on time, though. I only sometimes have to wake them and it's usually for the late night last feeding (so that I can then get to sleep myself).

Mendy

[Surprisedby2]

Teresa- I don't have a schedule with the girls. They were having trouble gaining enough weight when I was feeding every 3 hours so they eat on demand during the day which is around every 2 1/2 hours. They go 4-5 stretch at night. Infact I'm waking Marley up right now since it has been 5 hours and she needs to eat whether she wants to or not. They sleep most of the time in the morning so that is when I do things. They are awake in the evenings and want held then. I lay them down around 11:00 and they are pretty good at going to sleep shortly after.

I just got my dh's ice machine going and got him jello and crackers. He told me its impossible to sleep since he has to get up every 2 hours to pee.:rotflmbo: I told him I know, I did it for months. (He wasn't overly sympathetic at the time.) God does have a sense of humor.

[teresa67]

Kim that is too funny and yes God does have a great sense of humor

[Monique]

Theresa, my days sound like yours. I have no schedule really.

Mendy, I will try to get more organized and try a schedule....It would be nice to have scheduled time to do things.

I never seem to get a nap because I am obsessive about keeping the house somewhat in order...I feel like it is an accomplished day if I load the dishwasher, get a load of laundry done and I take a shower.......I am however accepting the reality of it all, so it doesn't bother me that much and I have been getting 5 hours of sleep which feels good enough to me.

Becky, I have one good breastfeeder and one not. I want to give up pumping soon, but I would feel terrible if one got bmilk and one formula.....I just keep working on it, but I will stop pumping in a month or so..........I also have a toddler who is being a pain right now. When she wants my attention she hits me or tells me she hates me....it is hard right now.

[Monique]

below is a link to a new picture....they really look identical. I do not know how to attach it so it shows up on my post....anyone?

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j65/moniqueach/DSC02440.jpg

[teresa67]

Monique they are so precious, they look exactly alike.

[jodyrobinson]

Hello Everyone

Kind of quiet around here.

Teresa- I have the boys on a schudule like Mendy's. They eat every 3 1/2 to 4 hours during the day I always feed them around 10:00 at night when we go to bed and they sleep around 4 to 5 hours at night. They are usually up around an hour after we eat and I always keep them up between the feeding before the one at 10:00 so they are tired when its time to go to bed. I usually try to get all my stuff done after their first feeding in the morning. I did read in a book that you are suppose to feed them at your bed time so they will sleep and you can sleep.

Kim- That is way too funny about your dh. Mine has kidney stones and here lately he has been peeing a lot too I just told him now you know how I felt. When you said that you needed a new stroller and you had to convince your dh that it was his idea, Ya we went to the mall the other day and dh was like this stroller is heavy how did you do this the other day all by yourself. I said it was really hard I would really like a lighter one needless to say we went stroller shopping yesterday. Its funny how when they have to do it then we need a new one. God does have a sense of humor!

Monique- Your boys are so handsome they do look alike. Mine look the same way.

We were in babies r us yesterday looking at strollers and ran into another woman with twin girls. They were a day older than the boys and were so tiny the boys looked like little tanks compared to them. They are little eaters. They are starting to get little rolls on their legs and arms it is so cute. I'll have to post some more pictures of them we have a picture of them in there Kansas City Cheifs outfits. Mommy is a huge football fan.

Susan- You asked how I got the boys to sleep that long the schudule like Mendy's that really does work.


Well I better go. Talk to ya all later

Jody

[jodyrobinson]

Just thouht I would let all of you know that Walmart.com has some really nice jogging strollers on there web site and for right now shipping is only $4.97 and I think if you have a walmart in your zip code the shipping is free. I got the same one that was on the Baby Depot web site. Hopefully it is nice but I figure you can return it at wal-mart.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4532490
Here is the link to the one that I got if any of you are still looking.

Jody

[TW1NSMOM]

Monique your boys are just adorable and look identical. I tip my hat off to you. I don't know how you breastfeed and pump and deal with a toddler. I have not pumped one ounce, and I really hope I won't have to pump at all.

Teresa I am without schedule. I nurse on demand and I am very tired, so I don't have time to write down at what time I feed who etc. At night they wake up every 2.5 hours.

Kim I need to know what you are giving your babies. They sleep sooooo long. I wish my babies would sleep a little longer.

Jody I am so happy to hear Kim's approach worked with the stroller. It looks like a nice stroller. Let us know how it works.

Becky your two year old will get better with time. It takes a lot of patience on our nerves, but they do get better.

Melissa I hope you had a great lunch. How did it go?

Jeanette, how is your nephew doing? We are saying a prayer for him.

Laura how was your night with Sara? Did you put both babies in the same crib? I hope this motivates Sara to start eating better.


Susan

[dustymack]

OUR NIGHT WAS NOT GOOD. sorry cap locks we took Kara home around midnight.

Karas nicu bill was 350,000 and Saras at last count was 500,000 but that was in April.

[Melis]

Laura - What happened? Hopefully nothing too terrible. Thinking of you....

Susan - Lunch was yummy! The girls are always well behaved - we definately take advantage of getting out now while all they do is sleep. It's our 4 year old we always worry about. He was actually well behaved though (rare form)!!!! Last night we went to a buffet up on the mountain and he didn't behave real well there. WE went w/my parents and brother and I think he was just excited.

Jody- Definately let us know about the stroller.
Kim - How is your stroller working out??

Monique - Anytime you want to chat about toddlers let me know. My 4 year old has done rather well w/the girls. I am very surprised b/c he is extremely spoiled and loves attn. The hard part for me is sleep b/c I'm on my own all week (day and night) w/the twins and my 4 year old who doesn't nap. So I'm working on 5 hours of sleep a night. YIKES!

Today we're off to the dr for the girls 2 month checkup. If she lets them go on regular formula I'm going to ask about about the generic walmart brand - parents choice. I just don't know how we're going to afford Enfamil. I contacted them about getting extra coupons and/or free cases and the lady basically told me she's sorry that I didn't appreciate the free case of formula!!! Can you believe that???? I told her in response that we are going through 1 can every 2 days, we don't qualify for any assistance and I'm getting coupons from other brands that I don't even use. So, hopefully we'll get the go ahead to switch to generic. I read on another site that Enfamil actually makes the Parent's Choice. I have to take all 3 kids by myself to the appt today so it should be fun!!! I'm sure I"ll be pulling my hair out!

MElissa

[teresa67]

Well I got the jogging stroller yesterday:yippee:

I really like the color, I was worried it would be bright red but it's a really nice color. I didn't go out walking but I did put the girl's in it and they fit nicely, can lay back and take a nap or it's seats are easily adjustable that I can sit them up at different positions. It handles nicely and FITS through the front door which was a big concern of mine.

I'm going to order some accessories, I have to have all the bell's and whistle's for it.


The girl's fussed alot last night, and after they started it lasted until 5a.m.
They have stuffy noses, which the ped said is normal right now, but I don't know what was up last night, they both seemed to have gas pains, so we all ended sleeping until 11 again this morning. They sleep SO GOOD during the day it's impossible to wake them even when we try, they are just in such a deep sleep but at night they sleep so lightly and wake each other up.

[TW1NSMOM]

Laura I am so sorry that Kara did not behave. :grouphugg

Does anyone babies have the twin connection? Mine do. Last night I was bathing Sammy, and Mindy was sleeping in the crib in an other room. Sammy was crying away. Suddenly Mindy started to cry. When I picked up Sammy, Mindy stopped crying. It was really cute to see.

Melissa good luck at the Dr. there is a thread here, where one Mom gave an email for free formula from Parents Choice. Try it. http://www.twinsmagazine.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=34366


Susan

[TW1NSMOM]

Teressa I am so happy you like the stroller. Sorry the girls did not sleep well. A little suggestion, you can put a noise machine in their room, and it should help them sleep better. They are waking up to every sound when it's quiet, but sleep when it's noisy, so the noise machine makes a continuous noise, so every sound doesn't awake the babies.

Susan

[teresa67]

Susan I sent them an email and the next day I had a response, I was asked if I wanted milk or soy formula.

[teresa67]

I definitely need to try that, I wonder if they make one that sounds like a riding in a car, because the girl's do sleep well when I'm driving somewhere:rotflmbo:

Oh I have to ask, do your mattresses fit tightly in the crib? Mine has a GAP???

I still have them in a pack n play and it's shakey now because of their weight.

I did buy one thing that I really like, I can put one of the girl's on the bed and leave one in the packnplay, they seem to sleep better at night this way, during the day I sometimes snuggle both of them in there which them like that because they are so sound asleep during the day.

They don't look like they are enjoying it in this picture LOL, but this is what I have, it folds up like a suitcase, has a handle, so it's easy to take along and have a portable "bed" at my mom's, it has a prop on the back so they can be in an upright position for feeding or those that have reflux and it would be hard to hold two babies.

<a href="http://img285.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fussinggirls2cw.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img285.imageshack.us/img285/3395/fussinggirls2cw.th.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us" /></a>

[MendyGA]

I got a sound machine from Bed Bath & Beyond for $19.99 (less 20% with coupon). It has a heartbeat sound that the boys seem to like.

8 HOURS!! Marshall went 8 hours between feedings last night (7:30 - 3:30) and Colton was not far behind at 6 hours. Then it was another 4 hrs for Colton and 3 hrs for Marshall. The only problem is that I let them each be on their own schedule through the night so after 1:30 I only slept in increments of just over an hour at a time so I am really tired today. Hopefully this is the start of longer sleeping at night (especially now that I know what they are capable of I will be pushing them a little more at night when they wake).

They are both getting off to sleep now so I am going to try to get my own nap in.

Mendy

[TW1NSMOM]

Teressa never put babies in cribs that the matress has a gap. Your baby can get seriously hurt.
Your girls look like they are getting so big.

Mendy that's great news about the boys. Are you bottle or breast feeding them.

Susan

[teresa67]

Susan that's what I thought, I didn't know mattresses came in different sizes, I thought they were all standard. The girls are big, Josh got on the scale with them and last week they were 9 pounds, they get bigger everyday.

[TW1NSMOM]

Teressa I also thought mattresses came in one size. But maybe your crib is not set up properly. I would check the cribs website if there are any details how the mattress should fit.
Wow 9 pounds each. They sure a growing like weeds.
Have they started to smile yet?
My Mindy smiles a lot. My Sammy needs a little more coaxing out of him, and we get a smile. It amazing how they are growing in front of our eyes.
Did you get your free formula yet?

Susan

[twopeas]

Hi everyone!

It's been way to long since I've been on... I tried to catch up, but sorry if I missed something. I'm running on about 2 hours sleep right now...

Jeanette I'm so sorry about your nephew. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Trish Ava is so cute!

Kim Don't you just love how husbands complain about the littlest aches and pains? It's just too bad he can't endure the peeing every two hours for months... just like you did...

Geez, I started writing this post TWO hours ago and am finally back to finish. We had a mini-disaster (well, ok, maybe you can call it a major disaster). My two year old has been sick since Thursday, for three days she vomited every meal and drink. Yesterday she did really well (ie - no vomiting) so I thought she was ok. Today we've apparently hit phase two of the illness. Diarrhea. My Mom came upstairs to tell me that DD was in the closet (not unusual - she loves playing with her shoes...) but that she had pooped and wouldn't come out and was hanging her head like she was embarrassed. So off I go, I pick her up and discover she's a little wet and stinks to the high heavens. Functioning on little sleep, I wasn't smart enough to prepare the diaper changing pad in advance, so I laid her down on the floor to prepare only to discover she'd pooped down both pantlegs, up the front and back of her shirt and that I was now covered in poop too. Poop even dripped out as I walked from the closet to the middle of the room too. UGH! We went directly to the bath, I bathed her and then me. In the meantime, the boys - who weren't due to eat until 10 decided they wanted to eat an hour early. I have one who will go from totally sleeping peacefully to screaming bloody murder instantly and that wakes his brother who joins the din. Did I mention today is trash day? That means the trash trucks pass our house six times (yes, six times ... each direction for three different pick ups - trash, recycling and grass). Anyways, trash days mean my two big dogs (German Shepard and Flat Coated Retriever) will bark their fool heads off everytime a truck comes near. Needless to say, MY HEAD IS KILLING ME! It's been SOOOOO NOISY. After baths, my Mom is trying to feed babies to quiet them down and I'm trying to vacuum so that I can get out the carpet cleaner for the 4th time this weekend (yes, I said FOURTH time... that's because two times I had to clean up vomit and a third time was for dirty dog prints *when will it stop raining in Oregon so I can let the dogs out and NOT have muddy paws return to ruin my carpets???*) Anyways, the crisis is over and I'm back now.

I'm still pumping, breastfeeding and trying to quit. I managed to go 6 hours last night but I think it was because I was so exhausted and too lazy to get up and pump when I had that one hour window to sleep. During the day I tend to try to get things done and cannot seem to coordinate nap times for the boys and DD in order to have long enough for me to actually take a nap. Any suggestions??

My Mom is leaving in a couple weeks, so I'll be joining the ranks of those of you who are caring for your babies and a toddler by yourself (while DH is at work). Any suggestions on making it easier would be VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!! My apprehension is turning to stress and I'm crying much more frequently when I think of what's going to happen... OH GOD!!?!

Ok, enough of my drama... I'm going to try to be quick and remember what I was going to say before then I'm going to catch some ZZZZZzzzzz's!

Becky - I *SO* sympathize with the two year old situation! Just think, we've got the teenage years to look forward to...haha. (Sarcastic!)

Teresa - Schedule? What's that?!? Really, we are controlled by the inner clocks of two demanding little boys! Three hours or less every feeding... although last night they went FOUR hours - YIPPEE!

Mendy - Which Babywise book do you recommend? I saw that there's quite a few and am looking for any help I can get!

Off to sleep...Grandma's holding down the fort with all three for a little while. Cartoons on TV and twins sleeping. I think we can manage an hour or so before all heck breaks loose again. Ahhh, to have twins - I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. :crazy: :rotflmbo: :crazy: :rotflmbo:

Oh, and BIG QUESTION - has anyone else had their little ones go days without pooping? Mine both just went four days - so we gave a teaspoon of prune juice (on third day). Now one is going every day and the other hasn't gone in two days. I'm slowly adding formula with the breastmilk and wondering if that's the reason?? In 24 hours we are using about 40 oz breastmilk mixed with 16 oz of formula. That's only like 1/3 formula and 2/3 breastmilk... I was hoping to covert to all formula within this month and be done with pumping. I feel so guilty about it, but it's just not logistically working around here. Anyone else having poop problems??

[teresa67]

Susan I'm getting a few smiles and they are just the greatest, I love when they get little happy faces when you are talking to them.

No I haven't gotten the formula yet, on the thread it says you can take the can to walmart and exchange it, and that is probably what I am going to do since the girl's are on lactofree formula.

[jodyrobinson]

Hello ladies

Teresa- what brand is your stroller? I thought mattresses were all the same size too. My mattresses fit really tight in our cribs. wow I can't believe your girls weigh 9 lbs. We go to the dr tomorrow so I am anixous to see how much the boys weigh. They are starting to get little fat rolls on there legs now. My friend that has the twins got a bunch of samples from the enfamil rep and her babies are on the Nestle formula now so she gave me 7 little cans which was really nice. It is amazing how much you go through in a week. I also went to Sams and they have big 38 oz cans for $30.

Well I need to finish laundry while the boys are sleeping. I will talk to ya all later.

Jody

[teresa67]

Erin......definitely have poop problems here, it's the formula, the iron constipates them. Hannah does fine, Hallie can't poop. My ped recommends this

start out by giving 2 oz water (didn't work at all for us)

if that doesnt work 1 oz apple juice mixed with 1 oz water (didn't really work for us)

I added just a bit of prune juice to 1 oz apple and 1 oz water and that did it.

Every day I give Hallie a juice bottle of that mixture and it works like a charm.

[jodyrobinson]

Erinn- My boys sometimes go up to 3 days without pooping. I asked the dr about it last time I was there and she said that was normal as long as it didn't go more than 3 days. We are strictly on formula.

Jody

[Mommyhas4]

Erinn: Take a deep breath! It gets better! I have had those days where there is poop everywhere and everyone wants to scream at the same time. Just don't forget to breathe...

We are going 5 - 6 hours at night now and we are on 100% formula. I tried the breast milk again last night and the screaming ensued. So we need to wait another month to try again. It will probably be around 8-9 months before they can have the breast milk.

Well things are going from bad to worse with my nephew. They discovered that the cancer had gotten into the lining of his brain and his lymph nodes. They are trying to stay positive and talking about fighting it with all they have, but it doesn't look good. Garrett is leaving on Thursday to go there, so I will be by myself for a month or so. Then when he gets home, I am going to go for a while (they live in ATL).

I am so trying to figure out what I want to do career wise. I restarted my own company again just to get things going on the side. I called to get my web page developed as this was something we need, but have never finished, and they want $10k to get it up and running. YIKES! Now I have to find a job to pay for getting my own business up and running..... So at the moment I am doing both.

-Jeanette

[teresa67]

Jody I got the Safari TT double stroller, here's the one I got

http://cgi.ebay.com/INSTEP-SAFARI-TT-DELUXE-DOUBLE-SWIVEL-JOGGING-STROLLER_W0QQitemZ7767873087QQcategoryZ66701QQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem

It's cheaper on ebay, I'm going to order the bug screen, wind shield and accessory pack that attaches to the handles. I think I am really going to like it alot.

I bought this one for going to walmart lol
http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Section_Id=9553&pcount=&pn=1&Product_Id=300126&SearchedProduct=t

[teresa67]

Jeanette.......I wonder why the breastmilk bothers their stomachs? I'm glad you found a formula that works. It would be a shame not to be able to use that stash of breastmilk you have. You'd make a fortune selling it. That isn't good news at all about your nephew. Is he still in alot of pain, I hope they are doing something to keep him out of pain. What kind of work do you do working for yourself?

[jodyrobinson]

Teresa- I got that same stroller. So you really like it? It is cheaper on ebay only about $20 bucks so not too bad. Where are you getting your accessories from?

Jeanette- I am so sorry about your nephew. I will say a prayer for him and your family.

Jody

[Mommyhas4]

Does anyone know of any work from home things that are legit? I have a friend that lives in Charlotte that has a 9 month old and doesn't want to go back to teaching...

-Jeanette

[teresa67]

Jody only got it yesterday so I haven't tried it out at the park yet, but I'll let you know.

[Mommyhas4]

I am a recruiter for Management and IT Consultants.

[dustymack]

Jeanette my friend is Teacher and works from home she teaches over the internet she has 30 or 40 students not real sure how many but she does calls and checks homework online and everything. She is the one that had the preemie last year he has a trache and feeding tubes and is allways in the hospital.

[Mommyhas4]

Holy Crap Batman! I thought we had all the medical bills in for the girls and the total was reasonable - about $300k total. Well today I got a bill for $401,000 just for Savannah. That means our total medical bills will be over $1 Million total.

SHOCK!

-Jeanette

[Mommyhas4]

Oh, I just opened Alex's $485K! That puts us over $1 Million for sure.

-J

[Mommyhas4]

Jeanette my friend is Teacher and works from home she teaches over the internet she has 30 or 40 students not real sure how many but she does calls and checks homework online and everything. She is the one that had the preemie last year he has a trache and feeding tubes and is allways in the hospital.

Laura: That would be perfect for her. Can you please ask her how she does it?

-Jeanette

[Monique]

Wow Jeanette..what is your portion? I own a small mortgage brokerage and work from home and it works out great-rarely have to meet clients. I am also a Real Estate Broker which is not only in the home-many appts.

Melissa, do you have a Costco or Sam's club? Formula is cheaper there......

Laura, have you asked the hospital for major assistance? Usually there are donors that will help with bills like that. Good luck. It will all work out.

My babies have been fussy all day for the first time. I am exhausted....they are about 6 lbs now which is good.....

[NoleMomma]

Jeanette...we are all praying for your nephew, and it sounds like he is getting the best care available. His symptoms sound a lot like Lupus as well, but I am sure that they have already ruled that out. Keep us updated so that we can continue the prayers.

Our doctor bills so far were about $70,000 for 9 days in the NICU for both boys and about $20,000 for me. Our insurance covers almost all of it, but even with that, my husband called the hospital and offered to make payments or they could lower the amount owed and we could pay it off. They offered us a lower pay off amount and we took it. Amazing what you can get just by asking.

Teresa...you asked about a schedule. What works for us is a 1,5,9 schedule. Michael eats at 1,5,9 a.m. and p.m. and Matthew eats at 1:45, 5:45, and 9:45 a.m. and p.m. I hate getting up at 5, but it really helps me to make Dr. appts. and other appts. because I know that I can go somewhere around 10:30 and the boys will sleep until at least 1. We don't always stick to it exactly, but we follow it pretty closely and if we are off for a few days, it only varies by about half an hour. I usually feed them at 5, go back to bed until 8, then take a shower, eat breakfast, check in on my 9 year old and get ready for the 9 feeding. Then I change them into "day clothes" and we head out until 1, come home, eat, they take a nap and I get dinner started, laundry done, etc. We feed again at 5 and I keep them up so that my husband can interact with them, they usually fall asleep and I finish making dinner, we eat, clean the kitchen, and do the 9 feedings. After the 9 feedings, they take a bath, get on pajamas and go to bed. I feed them again at 1, and they go right back to bed. So far this is what works for us and gives me a chance to get everything done that I need to. I try to take them for walks in the evening or early morning, but being in Florida, it is very hot! I also have my older son home and he asks to help out. It keeps me busy, but the morning outings keep me sane and gives my older son something to look forward to.

Has anyone taken their babies to a professional photographer yet? We took ours at 10 days old to Target and the photographer was fabulous. My mom decided to try Wal-Mart on Saturday and it was awful. I just wondered if anyone else had tried anything else.

Oh yeah...we took our first road trip this weekend and it went very smoothly, but requires lots of planning and prep!

Stacy

[Tadpoles]

I wrote a really good post yesterday when I actually had five minutes and lost the whole lot - not very happy. Anyway now I don't have the time to re-write it so you will all have to wait, no hardship there lol. Just a quickie, I'm so sorry to hear about your nephew Jeanette, there is not a lot anyone can say that can make the situation any better.

I have just set up some pics on a shutterfly account, take a look at the link and let me know if you like, and also if I have done it right!!!???

Have to go Isabella is crying, don't know why she has just been fed a huge amont and winded really well, maybe she just wants a cuddle.


George

[TW1NSMOM]

Teressa I just checked out my crib and there is a space by the mattress. But it is less than one inch. I think the guidelines is less than two inches. Or maybe that's for the slats.

Stacy is sounds like you have a great schedule.
How old were your babies when you took them for pictures? Were they awake?

Jeanette your babies are million dollar babies. In true value. Thank God for insurance. I work from home. I do bookkeeping for a company. It's part time. Maybe your friend can do that.

Going to take my kids for a walk.
Have a great day.

Susan

[Melis]

Laura - Post the info about your friends job!! I'm wondering if that is something I could do. I taught for 2 years before having Chase. I am very curious.....

Jeannette - Praying for your nephew. Isn't there another place that will do the web set up for cheaper????? Shop around....

GOt back from check up. Addy is 10.13 and Macy is 10.12! YEAH! They are little piggies. Addy has fluid in her ear so a culture was sent out and right now she is on antibiotics. THey had their shots and are just in misery now... it's going to be a long night. Oh, my dad met me there and took Chase. BUT, I made a horrible mistake and thought my appt was at 2. At 12:30 I checked my calender - OOOPS - it was for 1. SO, I flew out the door. I was 15 minutes late but decided to forego the stroller and carried the carriers from the parking garage! Oh my.... never again. I had 2 carriers, my purse, the diaper bag, bag of enfamil samples, and an ear culture - lol! QUIT LAUGHING GIRLS - YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SYMPATHIZE! As I'm going through the waiting room I hear people saying, "oh my, can you even imagine!!!" " oh, it must be hard w/2, my one is plenty!"... GEE PEOPLE, do you really thinK???? If you are thinking that, why don't one of you people stand up out of your chair and get the door for me! Oh man. IT was a nightmare. Oh, and the girls are going to regular formula - enfamil lipil w/iron. I priced it today and is better than the enfacare. I did email the walmart brand and they said they will send those out. I am going to check Sams Club - thanks for mentioning it, we're not members but may pay to join now.
Melissa

[dustymack]

I will ask her if I can give you guys her email she is really great and will more then likely say yes.

it is over 1 million here for dr bills too but between our insurance and the insurance through the state I do not owe anything.

[teresa67]

Melissa.......that sounds like something I would do. What were you thinking girl, so babies were soooo heavy weren't they? :rotflmbo: I can just see you doing all that. Why were you carrying the formula samples? This is just getting funnier, so exactly how much weight were you carrying Miss Bodybuilder? LOL
I can't believe no one helped you with the door or offered you a seat, in Texas that's grounds for a shooting lol.:crazy: I hope Addy is feeling better, ear infections are the worse.

Laura.....I bet the girls are really growing. They are so cute.

Susan.....I'm going to look for another mattress this week. It's time for the girl's to go into their crib. I'm going to put the pack n play in the living room, take the top part off and start putting them in the bottom portion of it.

Georgina.....your 3 little girls are just so precious. The pictures are so cute.

Stacy.....you are really organized. When the girl's are sleeping I go sit out on my patio and relax lol

Monique......I hope the babies are done fussing, I had a fussy one last night, I stayed up watching tv until almost 3a.m. with her laying across my tummy.

[MendyGA]

Erinn - The Babywise book is "On Becoming Baby Wise" by Ezzo. Here is a link to it on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0971453209/sr=8-1/qid=1149598243/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-3445129-1159831?%5Fencoding=UTF8

Jeanette - I am so sorry to hear about your nephew. Hopefully he will be in the odds that overcome this. If you make it to Atlanta and are missing the twin routine, give me a call and you can come up and take a night shift at my house - we are about 45 minutes from the hospital.

Georgina - What CUTE pictures of the babies and India.

Last night was still a good night for us with the babies sleeping 6 hrs and then 5 hrs. I am hopeful that we are on the right track for restful nights. In fact, I woke up at 2:30 last night and couldn't go back to sleep; I think that my body didn't know what to do with 4 hrs of continuous sleep.

We are off to the ped this morning for the boys' 2-month checkup. I am anxious to see their weights.

Mendy

[teresa67]

Susan......check out this recall, is this your stroller model? http://mountainbuggy.sycamorekids.co...2006_04_25.pdf

[Tadpoles]

Well, I'm in the house alone with Tallulah and Isabella, this is the first time and I am sitting here just waiting for all hell to break lose. So far all is well, it feels way to calm lol

Mum has gone to collect India from nursery and I am actually enjoying the time alone in my house, I think it's the first time since I've been out of hospital. We went to Mum and Dads for dinner the other night and my dad presented me with what he called a bravery award, he had made me a metal sculpture of a pregnant lady with twins, the arms are going around the belly protecting it with the two first fingers on each hand making a very subtle but rude gesture, my dads says he did that to represent me saying up yours to the world I'm keeping these babies and nothing is gonna make me lose them. I was so touched I about cried, I'm adding the photo to shutterfly, take a look if you can it's really great. I've never had an award before so to have one especially made for me is well nice.

The weather has been nice these last couple of days, stopped putting the girls in so many layers. The hospital got me paranoid about keeping them warm enough as they both had low temps, but I think I was going over board. They feel warm enough to me and are gaining weight well so they are obviously not using too many calories to keep themselves warm.

I'm feeling really good, I actually weigh less now than I did before I got pg. I have lost a total of 13 kilos which is approx 28lbs and considering that I only gained a 6 kilos (13lbs) during the pregnancy I thinks it's the best diet I have ever had, I said to mum this morning that maybe I should have twins lore often lol

Well better go as it's nearing Isabella feeding time.

Hope you are all keeping sane, your funny stories are keeping me laughing, there just so much to catch up on, I feel like I have to get to know you all again.

George

[Melis]

Teresa - Yes, those babies were heavy! They are each 10.5 pounds now!!! Pretty darn heavy especially in the carriers. The ped gave me samples of the new formula (i had them on the way out) I am starting them on so she gave me a bag b/c my diaper bag was so jam packed full - lol!!!!! SO, the diaper bag was heavy too. I know, I know. My plan was to take in the snap n go but I was such in a rush to get to the appt that everything just spiraled out of control. They didn't offer me a seat b/c when I get to the ped I go right back to an exam room so they don't have to be in the waiting room w/the sick kids. Were the girls sleeping in your room??? I've had mine in their own room in their own cribs since day 1 and I think you'll sleep much better.

Mendy - UPDATE on the check up! Mine just went yesterday. I can't wait to hear if your babies are fatter than mine and if the formula will get switched. WE got to go to regular b/c our girls hit the 25th%!!! YEAH! OH, make sure to give them infant tylenol before the appt b/c of the shots.

Susan - I saw the remark from Susan about the mountain buggy, is that what you got??? I thought you got an instep

Melissa

[teresa67]

Yes we are still sleeping in the same room. I think it would be better if they slept in their own room because every little noise they make wakes me up because I am such a light sleeper.

[NoleMomma]

Susan...When I wen to Target, it was about 30 minutes before feeding time, so they were starting to stir, but not quite fussy. They did a great job and my mom and I fed them while we picked out pictures. I think I have attached one to my signature and you can see that they still have their ankle bands on. It's really nice because when I look closely at the bands, I can read my name and we saved the bands to show them how little they were when they were born. I also got a 16X20 print and it is pretty close to life-size. I tried the same strategy when mom and I went to Wal-Mart, but the photographer we got was definitely not used to babies and tried to do "cookie cutter" type pictures.

Teresa...I guess all the years of teaching are paying off now with being organized. I also nannied for triplets in college so I knew what I was getting into. They are coming to visit on Thursday...won't it be cute to get a picture of the triplets holding the twins! I also have a crib set up in my room, a crib in the nursery, and a pack and play in the living room. They don't sleep in the nursery yet because I don't want them to wake my 9 year old and I don't want to have to walk all the way across the house in the middle of the night, so I keep them in my room at night and they nap in the pack and play or in my room. They have slept in their room at night when my mom stays or when they are unusually fussy, then we all move into the nursery.

Just FYI...I am sure that you all know to check the expiration date on any formula before you purchase it, but I thought I would remind everyone because a parent of twins here locally was on the news due to a pharmacy store (that I am already boycotting due to a previous incident) putting stickers over the factory expiration date stating that the formula was still good. Hopefully this will not happen again.

We go for our 2 month check-up and first shots tomorrow...I hate shots myself and am trying not to become anxious about the babies getting them. Should I give them Tylenol before the shots or after?


Stacy

[teresa67]

Stacy you give the babies the tylenol 30 minutes before your dr visit for shots, I don't remember the dosage for infants anymore, does anyone else know?

[Melis]

My ped told me 1/2 teaspoon every 4-5 hours but that seemed like a lot to me. I am giving them .04 ml.
Those Target pics are great. I never went there but am considering it now. I have a pic of my son when he was an infant where he is naked laying on his belly. There is a blue bow around him and a tag that says, "a gift from god". I want to get the girls done as well to put up next to his. I always went to Sears and loved it but know its going to be quite pricey now to do 3 kids there!
Melissa

[Surprisedby2]

Monique- Your boys look exactly alike. Too cute.
Melissa- When I took the twins in for their one week check up, there was another set of 1 week old twins there at the same time. So they didn't have any smart alleck remarks. Its nice that your Dr. keeps giving you sample formula. I was 14 min. late for a simple weight check and they wanted me to reschedule for 8:00 the next morning. I told them if they couldn't get me in, there was no reason to reschedule for the next day because I would just wait 2 weeks for the 1 month check up. They managed to see me. I miss my old ped. who would do well baby visits at 10 instead of 8. My dh hates the new Dr. and refuses to go to anymore appts. (Our first visit lasted 2 1/2 hours because Marley's temp. was too low. They had the nerve to say it was not uncommon when the baby is out early in the morning, but then made the next appt. for 8 again.) Unfortunately there is no one around town that is any better.
I wish we had a BR Us around here, but there is a Toys R Us. I'll look there to see if they carry 1's. we sure go through diapers fast!!! I'm glad we are not using formula too. I'd have to e-bay one of the girls for sure!!!
Jeanette/Dusty- You can tell everyone you really DO have million dollar babies.
Dusty- I'm sorry the nesting did not go well. I hope she starts eating well for you soon.
Teresa- Mine love to be held as well. I don't mind except at night!
Susan- I've been busy too helping dh so I've yet to get a stroller. Hopefully he starts feeling better soon.
Well, I got the results on the placenta, the girls are officially identical. Which means I can blame dh's egg splitting sperm vs. me dropping 2 eggs. :rotflmbo: Any one else find out for sure if their babies are identical?

[ktbear]

We are still not sure if they are identical or fraternal. My vote is for fraternal..Pat has dark brown/black hair and Greg's is more of a light brown/red brown. In the face they are very similar...still going to wait and see, if we are unsure by 6 months I think we will get them tested.

For a picture see here: http://focus.organizedhome.com/wordpress/

[teresa67]

Kim......I thought our eggs split, so we are the ones that get the credit? lol
I can tell the girl's apart when they are together, but separate them and I have to look for a tiny birthmark under Hallie's chin, at least I don't have to paint a toenail anymore.

[Tadpoles]

I love all the photos, I want to get Isabella and Tallulah done but I have seen the photos of children that the local man in town does and I so don't want to go there, they all look kinda freaky. (or maybe it's because we live in a very rural area, if you get my meaning!!?.??)

Tallulah is trying very hard to smile, I see her eyes light up and she does a funny thing with her mouth, it is always at India, I'm sure she's gonna get the first smiles etc... Both Tallulah and Isabella started to really focus today, they have suddenly clicked and becaome much more alert. They are sleeping well at night, Isabella tends to go 5-6 hours and Tallulah 4-5 hrs, not bad because they are still so small, Isabella is 6lb 5oz and Tallulah is 5lb 7oz, they seem to be happy to stuff themselves during the day and sleep at night, we are not complaining.

The MIL is coming for 2 weeks on Monday, she is so excited, we can't get her off the phone, she went from having 2 grandchildren to having 5 in the space of one week. We had the twins and a week later my BIL and his wife had another baby as well. They had a boy so intotal she had 4 granddaughters and one little grandson. she is over the moon because I think that's all of us done on the kids front now. although I do love the newborn stage and at around three months always get broody.......I don't fancy another 4 months flat on my back though so I think I will have to stay broody lol

It feels so strange now to be talking about our babies now that they are here, it doesn't seem 5 minutes ago when I joined this site and we were all sharing pg stories, I'm so glad that we can continue chatting and sharing stories, I don't want to sound clingy but I like having the opportunity to share all this with people who are going through the same thing, not ready to give that up yet. It also is sometimes easier to share a prob or a feeling with you guys than it is with family or friends that really 'know' me.

Well I think that was my sentimental 2 minutes so I'll go now and pull myself together lol

George

[dustymack]

updated pic of girls

[Surprisedby2]

Kate- I just called my Dr. and asked if the pathology report was in on the placenta and if it was one or two fused together. I think its standard practice to have it done. If its one placenta then you don't have to do any further testing. I don't know about you, but I could use the $ on diapers. mine look different to me now. Marie seems to have a wider face and her hair looks darker. I think its because she has more hair.
Teresa- Credit.....blame..... it all depends on how you look at it. The pregnancy was awful so ..... I'll blame dh's egg splitting sperm! But I'll admit the girls are irresistable. My girls have a birthmark on their eyelid. Marley's is on her right eye and Marie's is on her left. So I think they are mirror twins. I'll have to see.

All- I love all the new pic's of the babies. They are getting big fast!

[mearl66]

Saw my neighbor this am, we were on our way to the babes 1month check up. We stopped so she could finally see both babes together. She gave me an earful of advise on how she handled the early months with her son and then asked if EVAN and NINA were identical or would they grow into being identical:duh::rotflmbo: We have the town picnic on Saturday, can't evan imagine the remarks we will endure.

I survived the dr appt with only the help of my 3 yr old. The nurses were great helping me manage the snap n go, the diaper bag, my hand bag (which has now been put on a self until I grow more arms) and dd.

Evan weighed in at a whopping 7.7, a gain of 1.14 in 2 wks and Nina weighed 7.2, a 1.6 gain. So I gues the bf and 1 bottle of formula is working, now if they would just give me a consistant 4hrs at night I would feel more human.

Any advise on getting the formula stains out of their clothes?? Nina is a sloppy bottle drinker:spitwater and Evan spits up.

All the stroller posts had me laughing. For now we are snap n go, we inherited a fairly new double umbrella that they need to grow into and my SIL is giving me her double Jeep jogger. For quick walks in the neighborhood we use the big carriage that I had for ds and dd- they enjoy being all tucked in together. Tomorrow I am hitting babies r us, I want see if the Lascal Buggyboard fits onto the snap n go- at least this will give dd a place to stand and ride when I am out by myself.

Feels good to finally have the energy to post, for me twinshock didn't set in until the 4th week.:crazy: Now that the weather is nice and we can get out, I am feeling better and more in control...but that could all change in an hour:rotflmbo:

-Mearl

[ktbear]

Kim: I won't gore you with the details..but there were definitly two non-fused placentas, doctor is 100% sure about that (pathology report confirms)..that is why we don't know for sure but we highly suspect fraternal.

Merl: This is what I do for Formula stains: As I am taking the clothes off them, I spray the areas immediately with Shout Spray then toss them in the clothes basket. I am doing baby laundry every couple of days, so when I put the clothes in the washer, my washer has a setting where it "soaks" the clothes for 15 minutes. I think you could probably fill the washer with water and then leave the lid up (so it doesn't continue) for 15-30 minutes. So I use that, it has gotten out every formula stain so far.

I have been calling day cares all morning...blech...trying to find someone to watch the twins when I go back to work (first week in July). Have a couple of interviews for later this week, we shall see...

[Surprisedby2]

Mearl- Next time someone asks if they will become identicals, you need to say ... Only if Nina decides to grow a penis! That should scare them off fairly quickly.:rotflmbo: I've put up my purse as well. I just keep my wallet in the diaper bag. Everything else in my purse seems like a waste of space. I go to the Dr. appts. alone now. My dh keeps the older 2. None of them (including dh) can handle going to the ped. The shortest visit was 1 1/2 hours. Sorry no advice on the stains. Glad things are going well.

[mearl66]

Kate: thanks for the stain info, I will try it tonight. Don't envy the daycare thing- I hated those interviews. For my ds and dd I used in home daycare. I contacted our county children's services dept. They were able to give me names and numbers of women in my area that were state licensed to care for infants and children in their homes. We had 2 great sittters and it was nice knowing that our kids were in a home setting with plenty of hugs and kisses.

Kim: I may just use that line this weekend:rotflmbo:

-Mearl

[teresa67]

As of today the girls weigh

Hannah 9lb 12 oz

Hallie 9lb 11 oz

I was surprised!!

I never asked about the placenta, I wonder if they checked mine or not, I guess I could ask if I ever go see my ob again, I missed the 2 week appt, then the 6 wk appt, and I really need to go because I haven't stopped bleeding yet and it's almost 2 months already.

[jodyrobinson]

Good afternoon everyone

The boys had their one month check up today. They are huge! Leyton weighs 8lbs 14ozs and is 20.5 in long and Lincoln weighs 8lbs 9.5 ozs and is 20.75 in long. I thought they would be around 7lbs not 8lbs. The dr we seen this time is really good and gave up some free formula.

Melissa- If your girls can eat the enfamil lipil with iron now you can get 38oz cans at Sams for $30. I got 3 cans and the boys eat 4 oz every 3 to 4 hours and that lasted us almost 3 weeks.

Mearl- For formula stains I do the same thing as Kate I have a spray and wash stick that I use. I put it on their clothes after I take them off of them and then just wash them when its time and that takes it out.

Georgina- It is so nice to have you back. The pictures of India and the twins is to cute.

Well I will talk at you all later

Jody

[MendyGA]

Ped Update - The boys both weigh 9 lbs, 4 oz which I am very proud of since I am bf exclusively. They got 3 shots today as well as an oral dose of a vaccine for the RotoVirus (severe stomach virus that causes severe diarhea and vomiting often leading to dehydration and hospitalization). The RotoVirus vaccine is new and has to be administered in 3 doses with the first before 12 weeks. Some insurance companies won't yet pay for it but mine does so we went ahead and gave it to the boys.

Stains - I found some OxyClean Baby at Target and I put a scoop full of that in each load of baby laundry and have yet to find a stain on clean clothes.

Tylenol - They get .4 ml of the Infant's Tylenol (the first line on the dopper). I gave it to them when we got to the appt today and then it had time to kick in before the shots were given at the end of the appt (1.5 hrs later).

Mendy

[Melis]

Mendy - I feel better now. That's how much I've been giving my girls. I guess my ped thinks its safe to do 1/2 teaspoon but that seemed like an awful lot to me and I chose to ignore her.

Jody - Thank you for the info. I actually did some research last night and found that on the website so that's probably what we'll end up getting. Also, I wrote down all the prices of all the dif't "forms" of enfamil and found that the cheapest way to go (well it might not be cheaper than that big one at Sams) is to buy the 20 - 6 oz ready to feed bottles. They are like the nursettes. They are 14.99 at our Target and it comes out to be cheaper per ounce!! I have to sit down and compare it to the sams club one and I'll let you know. R U strictly formula feeding? I would love for that to last us 3 weeks!

Mearl - I use regular Zout on the stains. Works extremely well but I may try the oxy thing that someone suggested b/c that would be easier than spraying all those stains on the burp rags!!!

Kim- Our toys r us doesn't have the big boxes in the smaller sizes but it probably wouldn't hurt for you to check yours.


My girls are identical as well. I found out from my gyn at my appt. They don't have any birthmarks so I painted Addy's toenails pretty pink!
Melissa

[Melis]

Jody - Okay, the big can at Sams will make approx 282 oz of formula for $30. That is cheaper than buying 2 packages of the 20- 6 oz bottles for $30 b/c it would only be 240 oz. I tell you what though, that is definatley not bad for ready to feed!!! I won't feel guilty buying it!!
Melissa

[Mommyhas4]

Well more bad news of Patrick. Seems it's in his brain now. They are doing the surgery tomorrow. They confirmed that it is Neroblastoma, so at least we know what we are dealing with. 6 months of chemo to follow. 1 week on, 2 off. Thanks for your prayers.

Girls are fine. I got a job offer from a company in Atlanta, so now I have 2 reasons to go. I am thinking sometime next week.

Routine is boring. I called the hospital and my insurance paid 100%. Thank goodness because we don't qualify for state assistance.

-Jeanette

[Melis]

Jeannette - Sorry about the news but will continue to think positive thoughts. Will you be taking everyone on the roadtrip? That will be fun travelling w/4 kids!!!! I thought Medicaid or Medicare was taking care of your hospital b/c of your insurance? I'm confused....... No matter how its being paid for - thank goodness! I know what you mean about routine. Is this the first time you've been SAHM (did you work w/all your others)? It's definately something to get used to. I really felt the "routine" w/my first and now this time I definately feel it but know from my first that there is an end in sight. They will be moving around and responding and eating dif't things soon enough. THere is hope..... lol!!!

Tothose of you w/toddlers - What are you doing about outside time? THe girls aren't supposed to wear sunscreen yet. I can have them outside in the shade but it is still very humid. How are you handling this? We've been staying in so much and are going stir crazy. The only outside time my son has been gettitng is when we go to my parents (usually twice a week) and someone can go out w/him while someone is in w/the twins. Ideas?? Candice, I knowyou don't have a toddler but you seem to spend alot of time w/them outdoors.
\MElissa

[inshockmom]

Ava had a visit with her pediatric opthamologist today. Everything looked so good she doesn't have to go back until she is a year old! :yippee:

Well, she is throwing a fit, so gotta run!!

[jodyrobinson]

just a quick post

Melissa- We only eat formula in this house. If I calculated right those cans did last us almost 3 weeks.

Jeanette- So sorry to hear the news on your nephew will say a prayer for him

Talk to ya all later
Jody

[inshockmom]

more Ava pics:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/101_0714.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/101_0709.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/101_0703.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/101_0729.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/101_0697.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c73/trishandjason/101_0694.jpg

Enjoy!

[inshockmom]

dang it, It let me do it on April board and NOV 05 board....Grr, well, I need some sleep so I will do it tomorrow! NIght y'all!

[dustymack]

Well Sara finally hit the 5 lb mark lastnight:yippee: :clap: :yippee: she was 5lbs .3ozs. Still not eating very well they are giving her till sunday if she does not improve they are going to consult the surgen. They are going to try 2 hour feeds today (thanks crystal for the advice hope it works)

Kara is doing good growing eating and starting to poop. She is on a soy formula now along with 2 ozs prune juice everyday.

[Maine_Multiples_Mama]

Hey ladies,
I have been a lurker for quite some time. I was about 6 weeks along when we found out we were expecting twins. I had an ultrasound to date the pregnancy because I wasnt sure when my last period was. Well it was a shock to say the least! I was due June 5th.
I began lurking here and followed the May and June pregnant with multiples threads soon after that and have been following your stories right up until I had my twins on May 12th. I haven't had much time since then (like I need to explain that to you...lol) but just got caught up and thought I would finally post! So hello everyone! I'm Jenn from Maine! :woo:
I delivered the boys at 36 weeks 5 days, pain med free in a hospital. It really wasn't that bad but one of the RN's said she had never seen a mom of twins deliver pain med free and thought we were crazy..lol.
The boys will be 4 weeks on Friday and I am breastfeeding. It's going pretty well but it was rough at first as one of the little guys got confused in the hospital because each shift change a different nurse wanted to try a different supplemental feeding option (SNS, syringe, cup, bottle). Both boys are all about the breast now though. :crazy:
I also have a beautiful daughter who will be 3 in August who has Autism and two stepdaughters who are 13 and 17 that live with their mom in the next town over so we see them quite often.
Ok.. so there is my intro..:cool:
Looking forward to getting to know you all better..and if someone could tell me how to post a pic on here..I can add some.

[mearl66]

Trish:

love that last picture of Ava, I habe quite a few pics of Nina showing off her lungs too:rotflmbo:

-Mearl

[TW1NSMOM]

Jenn, welcome this is a great place to be.

Trish I love the pictures of Ava. She has a great smile.

Laura Wow Sara is sure growing. I hope she starts eating soon.

Melissa, if you have a Target near by I would stick with the ones at Target. You don't have to add water, and they are in bottles already. Just my two cents.

Jeanette I am so sorry to hear about your nephew. I hope he is the percentage of people that recover from cancer. I will keep him in my prayers.

Well off to feed crying babies.

Quick question, what highchair do you have? I have a friend who wants to get me one, and I don't know which one to get.

Susan

[NoleMomma]

Jenn...welcome to our group! We are happy to have you!

Jeanette...I am sending more prayers your way for your nephew and best wishes on the job front. I am still in limbo trying to decide whether or not to go back to work. I found someone to watch my boys while I work and I love my job and the people I work with. I am afraid if I take a leave of absence that I won't be able to get back the wonderful situation I have. I guess only time will tell what the right choice will be.

Laura...Glad to hear that your girls are gaining weight. That is definitely one step closer to home!

Susan...I am not sure yet about highchairs. Someone gave us 2 booster seats that come with a tray that you can strap to a chair. They seem to take up less space than a highchair, but I think most highchairs are pretty much the same.

We had our 2 month/8 week check up and shots today. I think the boys handled the shots better than I did. Michael screamed and cried, but calmed down after a bottle and Matthew screamed and then just let his bottom lip quiver...the bottle helped him as well. I could not believe their weights, though...Matthew was 9 lbs. 8 oz. and Michael was 9 lbs. 14 ozs. If you use their adjusted ages, they are finally on the charts! In a way it is kind of sad that they have outgrown their preemie clothes and are starting to outgrow their newborn clothes.

Stacy

[Surprisedby2]

Jeanette- Hope your nephew's surgery went well. Its nice that Garrett is able to go down there to help. Hopefully Patrick tolerates the chemo well and that it works. I can't imagine how hard this is for his parents.
Teresa/Jody/Mendy/Stacy- Those are some big babies!!!!! I'm guessing mine are aroung 7 1/2 lbs.
Susan- I haven't got high chairs fet. I'm lening towards the booster seats that attach tothe bar counter because they take up less space. I start off feeding babies in their bouncers and I don't use a high chair until 9 months or so.
Jenn-Welcome and congratulations on your boys!!!!!!!!!!
Melissa- I take a baby monitor outside and leave the babies in the house sleeping. My 3 year old also goes to his babysitter 3 times a week. The boys were going and doing things with dh, but he is out of commition for awhile. Maybe yours can do something fun with him on Sat. and Sun. like go to the pool or the park. Stuff that is too hard to do with twins. Do you have a friend with a baby. Sometimes people are willing to watch your babies for a couple hours (around naptime is easiest) if you'll do the same the next day. At least this stage doesn't last forever, next year they'll be running all over the place.
Dusty- Hope the 2 hour feeds help!
Teresa- Are you off having a good time????

[becklynna]

Good afternoon ladies.

I never manage to actually post, I read and want to respond but as I am sure you are all aware finding the time is hard.

Babies are now 5 weeks old, Dillon weighs in at 10lbs 14oz and Sydney is 8lbs 10 oz. So each has put on 3 lbs since birth. They are doing well, Sydney is wanting to eat every 2 hours and I have to wake Dillon every 3. So trying to get time with the 2 yr old isn't easy. But fortunately it is now nap time for everyone. DD is better about napping this week but has been waking up at night. She and DH are really having it out. She starts acting up the minute he walks in the door, so he is in a bad mood most of the night, add to that Dillon seems to have a bit of collic.


I have meant to post pictures since we got home from the hospital but DH needs to do if for me and doesn't seem to have time.

Well syndey is awake again. Off to tend to her.

Becky

[dustymack]

hi who was it that wanted my teacher friends email? I know melis wanted it but was it you jeanette that wanted it too?

[dustymack]

melis your pm is full I tried to send it to you make some room and I will try again

[teresa67]

Jody.......the boys are really growing!!

Mendy.....I'm wondering if our insurance pays for the rotovirus shot

Melissa....I bet Addy's toenails are cute, you should take a picture

Jeanette.....I've been thinking about you and your family. I just can't imagine how what everyone is going through right now.

Trish....Ava is just so darn stinking cute. What chubby cheeks.

Laura.....does Kara like the prune juice?

Jen........welcome, I'm glad you joined us. You shouldn't have lurked so long.

Mearl......the babies are so cute.

Susan......no decision on highchairs yet.

Stacy.....the boys are gorgeous.

Becky....I hope Dillion doesnt have colic. My girls are getting fussy right before bedtime.

Kim.....no running around, dh is on his 5 days off.

[inshockmom]

Hi guys.

Ok, so OMG. I had the worse day yesteday. I fought with the Insurance company yesterday for over two hours. I got VERY upset and started to cry which made me mad, but the first guy I talked to LAUGHED at me. Yep, he laughed at me. His supervisor seemed put out that she had to talk to me, and when I asked to speak to her supervisor she put me on hold...7 minutes later she gets on and says she is tsill lokking for a supervisor...25 minutes later she gets back on and says that she can't find one cause they are all in training...I told her that was not acceptable. About two minutes after that her supervisor gets on and I told her it was UNACCEPTABLE for me to have to wait that long and she tells me that the other lady was getting info from their house nurse....then why did she lie to me??? I asked her why did she say she was looking for a supervisor...ok long story short, I flipped a lid, told them if I could find a way to sue them I would, I told her everytime I have to call them on a stupid claim that they are not paying for whatever reason, I have to think of a very painful time in my life and we haven't even started dealing with the girls insurance nightmare. SO I call Jason and I am sobbing, I thought I was gonna hyperventilate. Well, today Jason talked to his XO (executive officer- some Navy talk for you there!) and they have now called in the big guns in Tricare (tricare North has been great, it is TRIcare South that sucks) Anyway, Jase is also talking to their legal department. It all just sucks, so much drama. But they really offended me, the one lady basically said I was a liar cause no one in their company would have told me this that or the other and the guy laughing at me, that was too much for me. ARGH! Thanks for listening to me vent. I have my senator and my congressmen involved as well. Mama is MAD!

Well, I have lost 6 pounds on my diet. :yippee: I am so excited. Ava slept for 6 hours last night so that is awesome. The NICU nurses told me that babies shouldn't start sleeping thru the night until they are ten pounds, so we have 2.5 lbs to go, but I will take the 6 hours for now!!

Other than the insurance drama, I really don't have a lot to say- I know- I am so exciting!!

Oh, one of Ava's NICU nurses called me because she had a dream that she saw me at the mall with Ava and I was sobbing and wouldn't let her pick Ava up...I assured I had not been crying thru the mall lately! I did say that I had been more weepy and she said that since I stopped nursing/pumping that it was the hormones released by breastmilk that have no place to go, so I can look forward to 4-6 weeks of roller coaster ride emotions until they settle down and go away! As if I need help in the crying department! :crazy: She also told me to take a pregnancy test just in case, I about fell out of my chair. I can assure you if I am pg right now, well, I'll deal with it, but I would prefer to wait a while. But whatever God gives me, I'll take. Ok, I am done babling! Hope you all have a good day!!

[dustymack]

Teresa yes she likes the prune juice.

worrying here too about pg strange things going on with my body and emotions but could all be hormonal from quiting the pumping.

[dustymack]

Well Sara did good with most of her feeds today well enough to have her tube out. They are feeding every 3 hours and also changed her formula. I am going in early in the morning so I can try a few feeds with her. Grandma is coming over to watch Kara.

Kara is doing good having alot of awake time during the day now. laughing smileing and discovered she has feet today.

[TW1NSMOM]

Laura that is great news. I am so happy that they found something that works for Sara. Isn't it cute that Kara finds her toes. Enjoy this stage, because before you know it, she will be onto something new.

Trish I am so sorry to hear that you are having such a hard time with the insurance companies. I hope the people you commissioned to help you can settle this without any more aggravation to you. Great news on the weight loss.

According to pedi most babies will be fussy in the evening times, from about 3weeks until 3 months. This is not considered colicky. So those of you with fussy babies, hang in there it does get better.

Well, I had a very loooong day today. I went to return something at Target, and I come back to my car and I have a flat. I try to drive, but the tire was toooooooo flat and wasn't safe. I called AAA and told them my problem, and that I have 5 week old twins, and a two year old. They said they will see if they can get to me quicker. It took almost two hours. The tow truck comes, and they guy said, I'll put air in your tire, instead of changing to the spare, and then you can get it patched up. Well 20 minutes later he realized that the tire had too big of a hole and he needed to put on the spare tire. He puts on the spare tire, and puts the torn tire in my trunk and says go and fix your tire now. I said please put the tire in the spare spot, and I'll fix it tomorrow, I have three hungry children. He said sorry policy is to put the tire in the trunk so the customer will fix the tire right away. So I go to Firestone and the guy says sorry leave your tire here and come back in an hour. I begged him to do it right away, and he said No I asked if I can pick up the tire tomorrow and he said No. Finally an other worker saw my hungry kids, and said go down the road to the gas station, and he'll fix the tire for you.
The gas station fixed my tire.
My 20 minute errand to Target turned into a 4 hour ordeal.
The good news is no one got hurt. So I am very grateful for that.

Good night

Susan

[TW1NSMOM]

I read somewhere that if you put a teddy bear near your baby and take pictures about once a month with that bear you will see how much the baby grew. Here are pictures of my babies with the bears. The first one is the babies are 10 days old.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/bzlamom/IMG_0526.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>
Here the babies are 1 month old.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/bzlamom/IMG_0608.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>
Here are Mindy being serious and Sammy smiling.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/bzlamom/IMG_0620.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>
You can tell I am one proud Mom.

Susan

[Melis]

I got a free case of Bright Beginnings Formula today - there are 6 big cans of powder formula and each makes 240 oz.- yeah! I am definately going to try it. This is the only thing I got so far that I personally asked for/wrote for. Has anyone else received anything?
Melissa

[Surprisedby2]

Susan- Your babies are beautiful!!!!!!!!!! Wow, they have grown in 4 weeks. Hope today was better. I can't believe your tire trouble. Luckily one of them finally suggested a gas station, I'm betting he has small kids.
Melissa- I never did get around to sending for free stuff. Hope they babies like the formula.
Laura- Hope the feedings went well.
Trish- Hope the insurance issue is resolved quickly. Wow were they awful.
Candice- Hope you are having fun at the beach!
Teresa- Are you at the beach too???????? I remember you were thinking about going when dh was off.
Well, the girls weigh 7lb.s 3oz and 7 lbs.2oz. and Marley is getting an ultrsound to check her hip socket on Monday. Its always something.

[LucasMom]

Hi. I am Mindy from the June board and was wondering if anyone could answer a question for me. My twins are 3 weeks old this past Thursday. They have been on Enfamil Lipil and as time went on symptoms started to happen. First, constipation (doc told to add sugar to formula which helped.) then, vomiting up formula and heavy breathing and grunting when eating. Finally, very very gassy. They were however, sleeping 3 1/2-4 hours at a stretch. Finally called doc again yesterday, and was told to switch to Prosobee and see how they responded (no sugar in formula either). While they are eating better, they are also seemingly hungrier, and slept horribly last night.

I guess I am interested to know if any of you had similar issues when swithcing formulas, and did it resolve itself? They seem less gassy, and not grunting when eating, but NO SLEEP!!!

I appreciate any advice you can give me! Congrats to all of you on your beautiful babies.

Thanks,

Mindy

[Monique]

wow. We went to the pedi on thurs and babies were 7.2 and 6.11. They have gained 3 lbs in 5 weeks. I am not convinced that I need to supplement breastmilk anymore.....

I ordered my genetic testing today through the place Jeanette suggested. I am quite sure they are identical, but you never know.

Trish, insurance sucks. I think I may have won the highest $$ out of pocket. I am self-employed and insurance is not as good, so my portion is $14,000.

Susan, your babies are gorgeous.......

[NoleMomma]

Susan...I love the idea with the bears and wish I had started it sooner! Sorry you had to go through the ordeal at Target, but one day you can tell your kids all about it and maybe it will bring a smile to your face...one day in the distant future anyway :0

Trish...good luck with the insurance, just remember that sadly the squeaky wheel usually gets the oil, so keep making your voice heard. The pictures of Ava are so cute!

Laura...the picture of the girls is adorable...they look like they are having such a good time. You are such a strong person for going through all that you have and still remaining strong. You are an inspiration!

Becky...hopefully you will have better luck with the feeding schedule soon and I remember reading somewhere that Walgreens has a rememdy for collic that has worked...maybe I read it on the April posts somewhere. Anything is worth a try in my opinion.

Mindy...I just switched my boys formula from Neosure to Isomil. Michael seems to have gotten a bigger appetite and they have wanted to eat every 3 hours during the day and 4 at night when they were doing 4 all the time before. I think it may be going through them faster because it is easier to digest? Either way, I would talk to your Dr. about it. I am going to call mine to check next week...I was holding off because we just did shots, too, and I wasn't sure what the change in eating behavior was due to.

Monique...I know this sounds funny, but you may be able to negotiate a lower price from the hospital. I would call and work your way up the chain of command...it never hurts to ask.

Tomorrow we are headed to South Florida to visit my Great Granny...the boys Great, Great Grandmother...for a 5 generation picture. It is a 4 hour car trip, but the pictures will be worth the effort.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Stacy

[Tadpoles]

I can't believe how many freebies you guys get, there is nothing over here. I looked on the pampers website about bulk buying nappies (diapers sp?) and they basically said don't bother contacting us if you are a multiple mum cause we don't do any specials etc.... charming!

Having a bit of a trial and error sessions on feeding Tallulah at the moment, she has been on a thickening powder in her milk because she was fairly dribbly, the ped told me to keep her on it for 2 weeks after we came home. After the first two weeks I took her off it but she was still really dribbly so i lowered the amount and put her back on it, now though it gives her really bad constipation and hurts her tummy, so we took her off it (she's now 1 mth old) and she is still really dribbly and wastes loads of her feed so wakes up 1.5 - 2 hours later really hungry. I'm trying her on different bottles now which I hope will help. I can't bear to put her back on the thickner, it really seems to hurt her little tummy. I've our first ped visit in 1 week so if we are still struggling I'll ask their advice.

India went into her big girls bed last night, so cute, she looks like a little baby again because it's so much larger than her cot. She loves it, I'm sure it has a lot to do with the fact she can get up and about on her own!

MIL is arriving from the UK tomorrow for 2 weeks, Looking forward to her meeting the twins and seeing India again. Hope I can survive somebody else in the house for that long lol.

Well better go and get her room ready, take care all

[Melis]

Georgina - We do get some freebies but really it's not much in comparison to the money that you got from the gov't just for being pregnant and preparing for the little ones. We could have definatley used it!

Freebies - I got a case of Bright Beginnings formula in the mail. IT's 6 big 25 oz cans of powder. I hope my girls take to it well b/c that will last us about 1 whole month! yippee.... I also got freebies from Evenflo - 6 bottles, nipples, and 2 cool light up sippy cups. I gave those to my 4 year old and told them they were for the big brother. He hasn't used a sippy cup forever but he was pretty excited to get something in the mail. I got a letter from Infantino saying they DO NOT participate in any multiples program. I was interested in that one b/c it was on one of the lists saying they gave out a free baby carrier - gosh darn it! Anyone get anything??? Updates please!!!!

Melissa

[Mommyhas4]

Melissa: No way I am taking 4 kids 1000 miles for a job interview! I will let the nannies handle it for a few days alone. Garrett will be home by then anyway and he can deal.

We didn't qualify for Medicaid because she came home in the same month that I applied. I waited until the first week of April to apply because it was the first time I could breathe... She came home in April which means they take our income into consideration since she doesn't "live" at the hospital any more. But it would have been redundant anyway and would have only saved us $800.

I don't consider myself a SAHM. I don't take care of the kids during the day, I build my business and look for work. I have always worked from home since I had the kids, so I get the best of both worlds. But I can't take the SAHM credit, because I am not their primary care giver during the day....

Mindy: The no sleep thing is because basically the formula is “pre-digested”. It has the string of proteins broken down already and takes less time for the babies system to process it and therefore they are hungrier quicker. If your babies really have the sensitivity to the proteins (which is what makes them fussy and cry while they are eating) they should outgrow it between 6-12 months. Most babies outgrow it around 9 months as the lining of their intestines get more developed.

Trish: I hate to be the bearer of bad news. Sleeping 6 hours IS considered “sleeping through the night” by pediatric standards. For some babies it doesn’t get any better than that for a very long – long – long time. I have one that is almost 3 that still doesn’t go longer than 5 hours at a stretch and my other one (who is almost 2) sleeps 12 hours a night and always has since practically birth. So you never know what you are going to get!


I got tons of coupons for Huggies Diapers - $3 off any package. Plus a few free cases of formula from Enfamil. I also got a free case from Bright Beginnings - they gave me free can coupons and I had to go pick it up for myself. I also got a ton of coupons from Johnson and Johnson and Meade.

Garrett got a $700 Johnson and Johnson gift certificate from work. I just shop on line and they send it to my house.

Patrick is not tolerating chemo well. He is throwing up all day long. Depressing. But we press on.

-Jeanette

[Mommyhas4]

hi who was it that wanted my teacher friends email? I know melis wanted it but was it you jeanette that wanted it too?

Yep - it was me!

-Jeanette

[dustymack]

melis

freebies
I got the playtex bottles also coupons for free items from johnsons cards from our congress man and buy one get one from tinylove (bought mobiles and toys) thats all we really sent for

[2BunzinD.oven]

Hi everyone. We are back from vacation. I will post later and let you all about it. I am pumping right now after feefing the babies. I have not read all the posts just a few. Monique your boys lokk so much alike too cute.
Teresa- We don't have a schedule, and I am a good schedule person. Eli needs to eat more often than Mia so I feel bad forcing her to eat at 2 hours ifshe is not ready. She also sleep better at night than him. I need to start something though or else going back to work is going to be horrible for everyone.
I think Eli is getting a cold I have to call the ped. in a few hours. I don't want a sick baby, but I think it is too late.

[teresa67]

Trish.....I hope things smooth out and the insurance problems work out without you having to deal with it anymore. That's great about the diet, what diet is it, what are you doing?

Laura.....that's great Sara got her tube out. Make sure you get pictures of Kara smiling.

Susan.....that outing sure wasn't great. I can imagine it was so fustrating. Thank goodness that there are at least some people that have a heart. The babies are so cute.

Melissa......I got the 6 big cans from Bright Beginnings today. How are they taking the new formula?



Kim......we went to the beach and so did everybody else, it was packed.

Monique......yuck on the 14,000. How long before you know on the genetic testing?

Stacy.......your right the picture will be worth the trip. I hope it goes smoothly.

Georgina......what are you thickening her formula with, is it rice cereal? When you say she is dribbly, do you mean she is spitting up?

Jeanette......how about WAHM? My thoughts are with you for Patrick.

Candice.....my cousin has an 8 mo baby, she always tells me that right now is the easy part, because the babies sleep so much, she says wait until they become active and stay awake most of the day, and I was thinking it would get easier as they got older. I hope Eli is feeling better, did your babies have any nasal stuffiness? Yours were born on April 20th right, the day after mine?

[Melis]

I switched my girls this morning. I make up 24 hours worth of formula in a big container. So at about 5 this morning I opened up the Bright Beginnings can to find that something was wrong w/it. IT looked as if the powder had gotten wet. I thought, okay, maybe this is how generic is (lol). I mixed it up and oh my gosh, it smelled horribly and had chunks in it - gross. I checked the exp date and it's good until Oct. I'm not sure what happened to it. It was sealed. I brought it in from outside as soon as UPS brought it. Anyway, so I ended up giving them the Enfamil Lipil w/iron. Macy and Addy spit up both times they had it. Wonder how long it will take for them to get used to it.... Anyone else switch?? How is it going?

Trish - Even if Pediatricians consider 6 hours a full night - I DON"T!!!!! Yikes. I can't imagine. My son slept through the night at 2 months of age. He is 4 now sleeps about 10 hours at night in his own bed (although he doesn't nap). I hope it gets better w/the girls!!!!!!!

Jeannette - I agree - WAHM!!! Thats the best. Hope things get better w/your nephew.

Candice - Can't wait to hear about your trip. R U going crazy w/them eating at dif't times?

Off to bath the girls! My girls hate it.... how do your twins like it?
Melissa

[teresa67]

Hallie and Hannah like their bath, as soon as their done they are eating their fist ready for a bottle. I guess it makes them hungry. That's wierd about the formula. I read on the other thread that you could take the cans to walmart and exchange them for the kind you use. I'm wondering if walmart has bright beginnings, I asked for the soy formula since the girl's are on a lacto free formula.

[Melis]

Teresa - hmmm, i wonder b/c bright beginnings is not sold at my walmart. my walmart has parents choice and that's what i relly would like to end up using. IT's 12/for the big can! Maybe I will email that person again and ask about it.
Melissa

[dustymack]

Well it is monday and Sara is still not eating well she had her tube put back in and is refusing feeds all together now. We are lucky to get 10 cc in her so we are awiating the drs ideas for now.

Karas crying I will update more later

[2BunzinD.oven]

I am so mad I just posted a long one and my computer erased it. Uggghhh!!! I read all the posts and caught up on everyone. It sounds like life is pretty much the same for all of us. The beach was awsome. It was so nice to spend time with my family and dh even got to stay 5 of the 6 nights. It was funny seeing my dad and brother around the babies. By the end of the week they were pros. It was nice to give them a taste of twin life. It wasn't sunny the entire time but we bundled up and hit the sand anyways. The babies were too cute in their sweaters and hats and booties. My parents left Saturday and MIL is back. I took Eli in to the ped and he has a viral cold, she called it the paraflu or croup. He just has a stuffy nose, his cry sounds horse and his eye is all goopy. For now we just watch and make sure he doens't get worse. Poor guy. He weighed 9lbs 8oz. I am so proud of my breastfed boy, way to go mama cow! I bet Mia weighs about 8.5 or maybe 9lbs. She is just petite compared to her brother. We go for shots next week.

Susan- It sounds like we have the same sleep schedules. Eli will only go 2-3 hours between eating. Mia is about the same but she sometimes sleeps 5 hours.

Teresa- Yes, they were born April 20th. I am glad you like the stroller.

Trish- Ava is a doll. I hope the insurance issues resolve soon. Let Jason deal with it you don't need the added stress right now.

Formula probs- Sorry can't give my 2 cents I have none on the subject.

Stains- We don't have those either, don't ask me how.

Georgina- It is so good to have you back. The girls have really filled out already they are gorgeous.

Melissa- I use the duoglider stroller when we go out. I snap in their carseats, so between the 2 canopys they are completely covered. If they start to cry I use the baby bjorn and cover it with a light blanket. We don't have humidity here though. It has been about 65-73 degrees.

I am going to get that book, Babywise. I have started to let the babies cry themsleves to sleep. It breaks my heart, but they are getting too reliant on me roking them to sleep. I think ofr my sanuty it needs to happen. Eli gets a break since he doesn't feel good right now.

[teresa67]

Candice.....I know it breaks your heart. I have trouble getting the girls to sleep, they sleep in their crib until about 3a.m. then they don't want to go back into them, I kick dh out of the bed and the girl's sleep with me.

Laura.....I'm sorry that she had to have the feeding tube back in.

Melissa....that's right, I couldn't remember if it was bright beginnings or parent's choice, I guess I'll have to use the formula then. I'm wondering where they sell the bright beginnings?

[Melis]

Candice - thanks for the stroller advice. that's what I have now but need to get a second stroller when we go for all day outings. I definately want to get a carrier though so I can go shopping during the week when my hubby is gone (one in carseat in buggy and the other on me so I have the cart empty).

Teresa and Candice - I know it's hard to let them cry but in my opinion its for the best. It will help you of course but it will also help them to become good sleepers. Like I said, I started at about 2 months w/my son and it worked wonderfully. He's always slept in his own room (since birth like the girls) and has slept all through the night. I haven't started letting hte girls go all night yet b/c of their weights, they just arent ready. I do however put them in their cribs awake and they just talk and goo until they fall asleep. Now, if they do cry I'll wait about 5 - 10 minutes and if they don't stop on their own I will go in and just pat their tummies or give them a pacifier. Also, it helps if I put on the nightlight b/c then they will look around. Now, I have been doing this since night one at our house so they are pretty used to it. I just swear by it though b/c sleep is important to me!!!! You'll find something that will work for you.

Teresa - Now I'm confused. Did we get the bright beginnings from that email adress that was on here????? I can't remember,let me know though b/c if so I need to tell them about my spoiled can.

MElissa

[teresa67]

Melissa.....yes it was from on here, from jlewis. I found out a store that sells it 30 miles away, I don't know if they would let me return it there or if I'll keep to use when they around 6 months old. I got the soy based one because it was lacto free, just worried about upsetting their tummy's right now. Oh and it says on the can......not for preemie infants, does your can say that?

[TW1NSMOM]

Candice welcome back. Glad to hear you had a great time. Sorry Eli has a cold. I hope he feels better quickly. A tip, a half hour before you take the babies for shots, give them some tylenol.

Laura so sorry to hear that Sara had her feeding tube put back. I hope she starts eating soon.

Melissa I bath the babies at night, because I feel it helps them sleep better.
My babies enjoy having a bath.
Sorry the formula isn't good. I can not help with the formula, because I don't give the babies any.

My babies have a cold, and need to sleep in their car seats. I hope this is not going to become a bad habit.

Susan

[inshockmom]

Teresa-I am doing a 1400 calorie diet, my older sister got put on one cause her BP and Cholestorol were too high, so I told her I would do it with her, it is 1400 calories, 30 grams of fat, 11 grams sat fat, and 165 carbs (well, 11 servings of carbs at 15 grams each- so I hope my math is right!) I have been trying to stick to it as much as I can, but I haven't been real religious like my sister and she has lost 12 lbs in one month. :clap:

Thank you for having empathy with me with the insurance people. Those people are going down! :order:

Laura- Hang in there! I will pray that she starts to eat!

Talk to you all later!

[2BunzinD.oven]

Uggggg! I get so mad at dh some times. He comes home from work saying he is sooooooo tired and needs a nap. Who cares what I need or the kids for that matter. Men are so self centered. He works hard all day, I know but what does he think I do? Nap, lounge around, lay by the pool, drink martinis?

[TW1NSMOM]

Uggggg! I get so mad at dh some times. He comes home from work saying he is sooooooo tired and needs a nap. Who cares what I need or the kids for that matter. Men are so self centered. He works hard all day, I know but what does he think I do? Nap, lounge around, lay by the pool, drink martinis?

Yup all men are the same.
We must lounge at the same pool. Pool of tears from our crying babies.

Susan

[Melis]

Candice - I definately can relate. My hubby is away all week - he works an 8 hour day and then goes to dinner and then the hotel for the night where he watches tv and SLEEPS!!! When he comes home on the weekend I expect him to pretty much takeover the kids b/c I feel that although he does work hard all week and has to drive Sun and Fri (around 5 hours each) that he has it easy compared to me. He does do nights when he is home which is a blessing but seems like I'm always on his case to get other stuff done around the house to help me out.

Teresa - Yes my can says that but I thought it meant that we couldn't give it them right away (like mine were on that special Enfacare Lipil which was a 22 calorie). My girls got switched to regular Enfamil Lipil w/Iron b/c they reached the 25th percentile on the REGULAR chart. So, you think this means they can never have the brand Bright Beginnings?? I'm curious....

Melissa

[Layla]

Susan: I know what you mean about the car seats becoming a bad habit. We made that mistake with my oldest and I swore I wouldn't do it with these babies...but there they are, sleeping in their seats. At 3:00 a.m. it is a very clear decision, listen to them fuss in the crib or be able to go back to sleep with them in their seats. Oh well, there are worse things right?
Layla

[Layla]

Can someone please explain in very basic terms how to get a picture at the bottom of my posts. I asked before but no one replied. Sorry for being so computer illiterate! Thanks to whoever might have a free minute, I know for me they are rare. Layla

[teresa67]

If I knew the girls would sleep all night in their carseats they'd be in them every night, and when they outgrew those I'd put them in the bigger carseat and when they outgrew that I'd get them a recliner:rotflmbo:

Susan......sorry to hear about the colds. My girls have stuffy noses but the ped says that is normal in newborns up to 2 months old. He suggested the saline nosedrops for infants.

Trish.......it's easier to eat eggs and tuna lol, how do you have time to figure out all that stuff?

Candice.......hubby and I got into our first 3a.m. shouting match yesterday. Yes he thinks I can sleep whenever I want during the day and I get to lie around and just play with the babies, but on his days off he sure woke me up to help him take care of one baby while he had the other. I told him I take care of two babies, why couldn't he? :crazy:

Melissa......that is what I thought too, maybe they meant when they were first born, but when my girl's came home from the hospital they were on Enfamil Lactofree, that's not a special formula and I'm wondering why bright beginnings wouldn't be for preemies and how long do you have to wait to give it to them? Hallie and Hannah are on the growth chart for sure, Hannah is in the 95 percent and Hallie is in the 75 percent.

Layla.......I use imageshack, when you see the different codes, copy the first one. On this webpage, go to user cp, click on edit signature, you can paste that first link there and it should come out as a picture instead of just a link.

We must have alot of busy Mom's, if your lurking say hi we want to know how you and the babies are doing.

[dustymack]

updated pic my girls yesterday

[Melis]

Teresa - How long will they be on the Lactofree? Or is that what they will be on forever?? My girls came home on that 22 calorie Enfacare Lipil. I just assumed since we were able to go ahead and make the switch to "normal" formula that we could use it even though it says that. I'm going to check out other comparable generics to see if it says that also. Your girls must be really big. I think you delivered at 34 weeks like me??? Did you have your 2 month check up yet?? What were their weights? My girls were 10 pounds 12 ounces and 22 inches. They just made the 25th percentile on the regular growth chart and are about the 50th percentile on the preemie chart. I can't imagine what your girls are if they are at the 95th!!!! My son was always big and still to this day is off the charts.

[MendyGA]

Good Morning!

Husbands - I think that Melissa and I must have the same dh. My dh travels all week, too, and is always complaining about how hard it is (yeah right - hotel with uninterrupted sleep, evenings free, time to think, restaurants, etc.). I just wish that I could switch places with him for just one week so that he truly knows what taking care of two babies is like. When he's home on the weekends he is a help but somehow I get roped into getting the babies settled down before I rush out the door for an hour or so of quiet time (usually to run errands - hardly seems fair). Since I am bf it's hard for him to help with feedings unless I pump first which is almost not worth the effort.

Laura - I am praying that Sara gets on the right track with eating and gaining weight. What are the girls' weights now? Kara looks so much bigger in the new picture that you posted.

Candice / Susan - Sorry the babies are sick. I am dreading our first sickness around here; it is so frustrating with babies who are sick since they can't tell you what hurts.

Question - Do all of your babies coo and act happy all of the time? Mine seems to have a small window after feedings of smiles and happiness but then the fussiness seems to set in until I put them down for a nap. The crying wears me down some days and I have to wonder if all babies are like this. I don't remember dd crying as much but then that was 17 yrs ago and I also think that since there are two babies fussing now, that it may just seem like more.

Diaper Bags - Has anyone found a diaper bag that they just love? I just ordered my third one (not counting the two I registered for, received, and then returned before even using them). I can't seem to find one that is big, plenty of pockets, and convenient to use. Any suggestions? I just ordered the Skip Hop Dash. I had purchased the Skip Hop Duo but it was WAY too small so I will be selling it on Ebay. I saw the Dash at Nordstrom's in another color and I think that it will work - let's hope so.

Mendy

[MendyGA]

I just updated my pictures. I can't seem to get a good one of them together.

Mendy

[inshockmom]

Hi guys! Ava is currently napping. Hope it lasts a while! She refuses to sleep in her pack in play now, so she either sleeps on the couch for naps or back up to her crib!

She officially has colick and it is driving me bonkers. Everynight from 9-12ish she screams her fool head off. We have taken her twice to the ER cause I was sure something was wrong with her, plus we have to be careful of her umbilical hernia and all the probs that can cause...she has had tummy xrays and they are fine...I love her with my whole heart, but there are nights I want to toss her out the window! :crazy: But then she'll fall asleep and she is so beautiful. The night before last I cried and cried and cried with her while I rocked her. I try to be good about letting Jason sleep but last night I was exhausted so I made her daddy get up with her. He wasn't real thrilled, but c'mon it was 6 am.

Ok- candice- Husbands...mine is great, he really is, until it comes to sleep and then he is a MONSTER! Well, I think that he thinks he sees us npa, so therefore I must be getting good sleep, well, I average 6-7 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period, but it is usually 2 hours at a time, so it is NO WHERE near the same as sleeping 6 straight hours. I love my husband, but some days I really resent his ability to leave and go to work and sleep straight thru the night. Enough said there I think!

Cooing and such- we have none of that. Ava is 4.5 months old, but her corrected age is just over 5 weeks, so she isn't expected to do a lot yet, I keep hoping though! She has just started to say a-goo, but that is about it. She is hard to keep track of cause she can do a lot that she isn't "supposed" to be able to do accoring to her corrected age, but can...ARGH! Confusing. Well, I need to take this down time and hop in the shower! Talk to you all later!

[teresa67]

Trish......:throb: colick is terrible, for Ava and You. Check this out
http://www.coliccalm.com/gripe-water.htm It's supposed to be the best
natural drops you can give an infant and it's supposed to work. One night both girl's fussed from the time I put them to sleep until just before 5a.m., sitting there holding both of them I thought right before I got pregnant I was thinking about getting a puppy, how much easier that puppy would be right now:crazy:

Mendy.....no cooing here, we are just starting to get real smiles. I agree on the diaper bag, I got 2 that are totally worthless. I got a big diaper bag from toys r us, it's the eddy bauer bag, it's huge and it's the only one that holds everything.
I got a bag for mother's day, it's not a diaper bag, but just a open, deep bag and when I am going into the store I put the bottles and a couple of diapers in there. I've yet to find the perfect bag, when my husband sees me looking at them he says "Another Bag?????".

Melissa.....I'm thinking that as long as they are doing well on the lactofree I will continue to just use that, I will ask their ped when I take them for their 2 month appt if it will be alright to try something else. I got quite a few samples for reg enfamil lipil w/iron. Yes they were born at 34 weeks, when the nurse was explaining their heights and weights both girl's were fussing so I didn't get to listen with my full attention. I believe they are 95% on the preemie chart. She did say Hannah was considered chunky. She weighed 9 12......with Hallie weighing 9 11, that was at 6 weeks. They look like little butterballs.

Laura.....that is a sweet picture of them. Does Sara look smaller because you were closer to Kara when you took the picture? It's that way with my girls, if I stand on one side and take the picture the one closest to the camera looks way bigger than the other and the same the other way around. Have you tried using infant/child supositories? They work really well, usually right away.

Kim.....where ya at?

[Melis]

Teresa - Maybe that was the regular chart - not sure. My girls weighed that at 8 weeks and yours were only 6!!! Ask next time. It's nice to know how they compare on both. Mine have finally looked "healthy/normal... aka - chubby!!!! for the past 3 weeks, I love it.

Mendy - Hey, they have a Skip Hop Duo DOUBLE which is bigger than the duo. It is $80 and fits on the handle of a side by side stroller. I didn't get it (yet) b/c I want to get my stroller first (still haven't done that). It must be pretty new b/c I haven't seen it online. They had it at a specialty high end boutique store in downtown Pittsburgh. Here is the website - just go to products and then skip hop duo double :
http://www.skiphop.com/home.cgi

Laura - Is Sara still at West Penn? Have the drs come up w/anything to help her feed on her own?? How about Big Ben?????

[Melis]

Here are some new pics! The first one is my son and I. Check out my tablecloth!!!! I still have my xmas one on!!! lol!!! can anyone relate??? The others of course are of the girls.
Melissa

[Melis]

WHy isn't this working?

[teresa67]

Melissa......your girls and my girls look like they could be sisters. Mine are chubbier I think.

Trish.....Kim's little boy had colic real bad, she used a heating pad. She would put it against her tummy and then lay a towel on it and hold the baby against it. You have to be sure you check to see if it's not getting to hot on the baby, but the warmth will soothe her tummy, wouldn't hurt to try.

Mendy.....your boys have gotten so big!

[inshockmom]

Hey guys!

Natalie- I am not breastfeeding, but Ava is still getting breastmilk. Since she was in the hospital for so long and ate small amounts, I have an entire deep freeze full of breastmilk. I am no longer pumping though. I have asked her DR if I should switch and the answer so far has been breastmilk is best, so if you have it use it. But with Ava being all crazy, maybe I will switch. I just don't know. ARGH! We qualify for WIC as well, God love the military they pay us so well! :crazy: Anyway, so I am stocking up on formula!

As for dressing twins alike- I would have dressed Ava and Sophia the same while they were babies and when they got older and had different (more distinct) personalities and could choose, then I would let them decide to a certain point. My Grandma dressed my older sister and I alike until we were about ten and we're not twins! :rotflmbo:

Jason and I are going to see our grief counselor for the first time tomorrow night. I hope the DR can understand me cause just thinking about going makes me getting all teary and choked up. I wonder if I will be able to say anything or if I will just cry the whole time. I am looking forward to it though, I really think that I need this help.

I am going to get my bike tonight! I am so excited. Jason is a big bike rider and he finally convinced me to at least think about it, so we have been bike shopping for a while and I finally found one I like, it doesn't hurt to ride, usually my back hurts cause you have to lean so far forward, but, I found one that isn't that way. Bicycles sure have come along way since we were kids! :clap:

Thanks for the Colic advice! I appreciate it!!


Anyway, I guess I'll quit babbling now!

[TW1NSMOM]

Melissa, your girls are sooooooo cute. They sure are getting chubby. Did you get that Skip Hop bag? It looks great, but I don't want to spend that type of money until i know it's worth it.

Teressa I love the Gripe water. I find that it really helps even with a little fussiness. They also have gripe water that has a drop alcohol, and that helps the babies sleep.

Mendy your boys are so cute. They sure are big and alert. My Sammy gave a little coo, and it scared him. It was so funny to see.

Laura I love the new pictures of the girls. How is Sara doing?

Laya go to Photobucket and upload your pictures there. The second code is called TAG just copy and paste that in your signature. Your Signature is under User CP. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Trish have fun bike riding. Are you getting a seat for Ava?
I do dress my babies in matching clothing. Mindy gets pink and Sammy gets blue. My two year old DD calls them the pink and blue baby.


Susan

[teresa67]

Susan.....what gripe water do you use?


Well something cute happened :yippee:

We were holding the girls next to one another, Hannah yawning totally ignoring Hallie. Hallie was giving Hannah a hard stare when she reaches her little hand out toward her sister and grabs a handful of hair and pulls it. Hallie always grabs a handful of her own hair, I guess Hannah's hair looked good too.


Yes I dress my girl's alike, not here at the house, but they have lots of matching outfits, some are exactly alike, others are the same but different colors or they coordinate. I'm not having twins and not dressing them alike lol

[Layla]

okay, going to give this picture thing a shot, bare with me please!

[Layla]

Teresa: I've used gripe water called Kolik and it worked great.

Susan: Thanks so much for taking the time to tell me how to post a pic. I wish they weren't so blurry but it took me a long time to shrink the file down to a not so huge size.

Took the boys for their 2 month check up and was surprised to find Kaden now weighs more than Layne by half a pound. Must be those fat cheeks! They are 8.9 and 9.1. I'm breastfeeding exclusively now and returned that hated pump today. Also thrilled to report that the twins slept for 6 hours straight last night....YEAH!!!!!!

[2BunzinD.oven]

Well we had a family day today. Dh and I took the babies to the beach. We set up the big shade and sat in the chairs while they babies slept in their carseats for about 2 hours. What good babies. It felt so nice to get out in the sun for a little while. Eli feels about the same I think. He has just been very sleepy.
Diaper bags- I was given a petunia picklebottom bag for my shower so i just use that. It is also my purse. Heheheh.

Trish- I am so glad you are going to the grief couselor. I wouls just sit and cry the entire time too, that is how I deal. But it should help eventually. Ava is a doll. Sorry to hear about the collick.

No coos here. Eli has smiled a lot. I don;t know if he means them or not though. I think he does, he does them when I hold him. I am waiting for those little noises to happen though.

Laura- I love the new pic. Kara is so big.

Layla/Melis- The pictures are adorable.

[TW1NSMOM]

Susan.....what gripe water do you use?
lol

Teressa it's from England called Mother's Natural. It's a life saver.
Cute story about the girls. Get your album out and write down the story.

Candice glad you had fun in the sun.

Layla boys are really cute. I am glad the info worked.

Susan

[ktbear]

I am coming out of lurkdoom..finally have a few minutes to read some posts.

Layla: Your sig pictures of your babies are SO cute! I just updated mine with the twins at 3 weeks.

Funny twin story: Yesterday, when I put them down for a nap, I put them in the crib facing each other on their sides. Pat shot his pacifier out of his mouth, and it hit Greg right in the face. Greg didn't think it was funny, but I laughed for a couple of minutes...

Went for my 6 week check up with the OB/GYN yesterday. I am severly anemic, so he put me on iron supplements. BLECH..He said that could be why I am SO EXHAUSTED all the time...that and the babies want to be fed every three hours still.

Well..off to bath babies, the Johnson and Johnson Bed Time Baby is a life saver here, the babies look stoned after they take a bath using it...then they sleep for 4-5 hours straight...recommend it for all the night time fussy babies.

[Irishmom]

Well, I'm not dead girls! Sorry it's been forever since I posted last. We have had a lot going on...computer troubles, lack of sleep, colic...you name it!

I am glad to see that we have moved to a new thread. Feels good, huh?

So, it seems like a lot of your babies are sleeping 4-5 hours now. I am really jealous and curious. How did you guys manage that? Mine are up every 3 hours, on the dot. I formula feed (just switched to Isomil Advanced last night). Any advice would be helpful. We are going crazy over here.

I started back to work, part time yesterday. So, I am home all day w/ the twins and my other 2, then work from 6-11pm. It's only been 2 days and I am exhausted...But what else is new.

I will try not to be a stranger anymore and post more often. I missed you girls!!

[dustymack]

Sara is just over 5 lbs Kara is over 10 lbs now so the picture is what they look like the size difference is amazing.

Sara is in TIC but will be going to childrens for testing soon and more then likley more surgery.

[RachelsTwins]

I just bought the "do it all" diaper bag from lands' end and I love it. Its a messenger bag with lots of compartments. Its well made and only cost $30

[Surprisedby2]

Teresa- The girls slept really well yesterday, so I didn't post. My favorite time to post is while BFing at night. Tonight is a different story, oh well. Your girls are way bigger than mine. At 4 weeks mine are at the 50-75% in height and a whopping 10% in weght. Have you used you jogging stroller yet?
Dusty- Cute pictue. Hope Sara starts eating soon. It must be so hard not to have her home with you yet. Glad Kara is doing so well.
Trish- My second son had colic. He would scream from 10:00 to 6:00 everyday for close to 8 weeks. But had some colic episodes for another 4 weeks after that. It wasn't until the end until I heard about the heating pad. I would lay a heating pad on my stomach with no clothing between me and it. Then I would put Lance fully clothed on top of it. Even on low I would have to turn it off occasionally. It would put him to sleep everytime. Other things to try- taking her outside and walk, putting her in a carseat and swinging it, Putting the carseat on top of a dryer and running the dryer with a couple of tennis shoes in it. Think of it as an experiment and try different things until you find something that works. It does get better. And if nothing works, it is okay to put her in the crib and close the door while you take a break. I did it more than a few times when I would start to lose my sanity. My son now is a very happy 3 year old and you would never guess he was such a hard baby.
Mendy- I think its a boy thing. I swear taking care of either of my boys was harder than taking care of my twin girls. They seem to sleep so much more and are easier to make happy. My boys woke up every 3 hours to eat like clockwork until they were 4 months old. Then they could go longer. They didn't sleep through the night until 9 months old. No cooing, but they grunt to each other all the time. They are smiling. I use a backpack diaper bag. It doesn't have a lot of pockets, but I usually just carry diapers, wipes, receiving blanket and changes of clothing. I hate how regular bags will slip off your shoulder. Backpack style is easier to carry when I'm alone and carrying the carriers in and out of the house.
Melissa/Layla- Great pictures!!!!!
Layla- Wow your boys have really gotten big.
Kate/Jess- Glad to see you are still around. My girls will sleep 4 hours during the night, but there will be nights like tonight when they are up every 2 hours and I'm not doing anything different. Luckily I don't go back to work until August.
I usually dress them the same during the day, but different at night so that its easy to tell which one I'm feeding. Its fun to dress them the same right now and it won't be long before they will want a say as to what they will wear. Both of my boys already have strong opinions about clothes.

[inshockmom]

Thanks for all the colic advice. Lord knows I need it! We had a colic free night on monday and back again last night. I feel bad because it screws up her eating schedule...ARGH.

Sherida- Ava is a drool Queen. She has been drooling a lot for about 3 weeks now. Good fun.

Thanks all for your encouragement, I just keep waiting for it to get better and it hasn't, it seemed for a while that I didn't cry as often and now it seems I cry everyday again. Oh well, that is why we are going to counseling.

Sarah- Has counseling helped you at all? I think I will feel a little bit better just having a stranger know my whole story...does that seem weird? Like she can validate my grief some how, though we know it doesn't need to be validated...I guess I am just a weirdo.

Tina- Wow, I hope everything goes well for you.

So I got my bike last night and I LOVE :throb: it! We went for a 7ish mile ride, my butt was sore, but it was awesome!

You all should hear Ava thru her monitor, she must be on top of her monitor. Deep breathing, some grunting and a burp. That girl! SHe has a DR appt at 1:15 pm today. She has to go every two weeks right now and that is just her ped, she see's her neonatologist every 6 weeks, I feel like I will never get away from Dr's and hospitals...

OMG- I had a dream last night that I was pregnant with TRIPLETS! Yeah- crazy, but I started my period, so I know that's not true! I wonder if I will ever be normal again? Hmmm. Well, I need to get some stuff done before the Ava Monster wakes up. Chat at you later.

[2BunzinD.oven]

I feel so bad for those of you with colick. Hang in there it has to get better eventually right? We are having a day around the house, spring cleaning (kind of) and just hanging out. Last night went good with the babies. They spent the whole night in their own bed and woke up every three hours, for us that is good. I am really trying to teach them to put themselves to sleep and to some what get on a schedule around here. Dh has a new thing where he thinks the babies wont take their bottles and then he passes them off to me to breast feed. I know they hate to take the bottle but they will do it eventually, he needs some patience. I know they will take a bottle because they do for my MIL and my mom. The saga continues.......

[Tadpoles' Mum]

Hi everyone,


I'm still lurking around - I know Georgina won't be posting much this week as she has her MIL staying until the 26th. The idea is to give me a break - but there's no way I'm gonna stay away from those 3 little girls for two weeks!

Isabella and Tallulah are doing fine, though feeding Tallulah is still more difficult than Isabella. She dribbles a lot and then hasn't had enough to eat - that isn't the same as spitting up - I think you would call it drooling. She only clamps on hard to the bottle for the first part of the feed, and then once the main hunger has gone she just gets lazy. The hospital prescribed some special powder for her milk but only for the first couple of weeks, it worked in that she fed well, but it gave her awful constipation - its all a vicious circle isn't it, these early weeks don't last long though!

My second son had really bad colic, always in the evening - I remember it very well! We did use gripe water which helped, but we also found that a teaspoonful of camomile tea used to ease it.

India is great and loves her little sisters - too much sometimes! The babies are in moses baskets during the day, and India loves to fill the baskets with all her soft toys. She is so funny - getting to that embarrassing age - she came to the supermarket with me and my husband yesterday, and while we were in the checkout queue she suddenly leaned forward out of the trolley seat, looked down my t-shirt and said "show me your bras, grandma".

Hope she doesn't get to be as bad as Georgina was at that age - I could fill a page with the embarrassing things she said .................. maybe I should start a new thread.....:rotflmbo: :rotflmbo:

Rae

[teresa67]

Susan I'm looking for the Mother's Natural gripe water and can't find it anywhere. Any suggestions?

[Irishmom]

Someone tell me, what is this gripe water I keep hearing about?

Jess

[becklynna]

Hello ladies. I have been trying to post this for a couple of days now. I wish I had time to read and keep up with posts, and even more I wish I could post responses. I am feeling a bit isolated at the moment and need some advice. I have been breastfeeding almost exclusively for 6 weeks now. I feed Sydney & pump for Dillon. She takes about 3 1/2 oz (based on daddy's nightime feeding) and Dillon takes 5. I get plenty in the morning, but by 5 PM I struggle to get 3 oz. I am pumping for 30 minutes to get that.

Here is my issue, I am really feeling like all I do is pump, and with a 2 yr old, I need to split my time. I am starting to think I might want to switch but I have so much guilt too. DH isn't understanding my emotions & thinks things are fine. Just need some thoughts from you ladies.

Off to try and shower before the next round.
Becky

[Irishmom]

Becky- First off, I want to say that I think it is amazing that you have made it 6 weeks! Hats off to you on that one. I tried to BF my two, but my milk supply was almost non-existent. In order to keep up w/ them, I would have had to pump every 45 mins or so (Brady couldn't/wouldn't latch on). I also have a 2 yr old at home, so this was not an option for me. I also felt really guilty about it, but I am formula feeding now. I didn't BF w/ my oldest and I did for 6 wks w/ my 2 yr old. I am a true believer that any amount of BM is awesome for babies. Now, if you go to the BF'ing thread...you might get a different answer, but this is my opinion. I know all the statistics, but my dtr (oldest) had only 1 ear infection during the infant/toddler stage and gets straight A's. Keep at it and give it your best shot and if it's too much for you or your supply just isn't there, do NOT feel guilty about switching to formula. Easier said than done, I know, but mother's around the world give their babies formula. You have already done so much by giving them BM for this long. Good Luck to you and let us know how it turns out!!

Jess

[Melis]

Becky - Isn't it awful how society has us feeling guilty if we DON'T breastfeed our children?? I strictly bottlefeed. I do it w/the girls and I did it w/my son. I just never had any interest in breastfeeding. I guess most people have seen the ups to it but everyone that I know/knew had a terrible time. I do think it's wonderful for moms to do it and who want to do it but it just isn't my cup of tea. People made me feel guilty the first time around but now I don't let it bother me. Your little ones will be just fine on formula. And think how long you did breastfeed!!! YOu did really well - amazing!! You gave them a great start and it won't be long til they are on formula and baby food - you won't even think about this time. I have a 4 year old and have my hands full so I can imagine what your day must be like w/a 2 year old. You need to do what is right for you and your 2 year old as well!!! You are a mom to the twins and your 2 year old. Hubbies totally don't understand..... Whatever you decide it will all work out. That's just my opinion.
Have a good night!
Melissa