Hanging out

Hanging out
Originally uploaded by heathercim

Here's a somewhat recent picture of the two just hanging out.

More pics on my flickr site!

Babies and Jon reading Harry Potter

Babies and Jon reading Harry Potter
Originally uploaded by heathercim

Enjoying some reading time...

Anniversary Date

Jon and I ended up going to Claim Jumper at Alderwood for dinner and to see Stardust at the theater across the street. Thank you to Ally and Edna for watching the babies last night - we really appreciate it!!!

Stardust is a really good movie and Jon, the guy who doesn't seem to like any movies, actually really liked this one too (gave it an A+). Our Claim Jumper experience was good up until it came time to pay the bill, then the waitress accidentally gave us the wrong receipt - thankfully, Jon noticed after he signed the wrong receipt (it had the guys name on it across the way). We didn't notice until later though that we had gotten the guy's credit card too - his was black like ours but for Alaska Airlines, not Amazon. UGH! So Jon walked back across the street to give them the credit card and our phone number should the guy show up again. We got a phone call this morning that the guy (who lives in Wenatchee) called and will send our credit card back to the restaurant via FedEx. Of course, Jon had already cancelled the card.

Anyway, besides the credit card issue (which really wasn't all that bad), we had a great time. Jon got me a gift cert to In Spa for a massage as my back has been so tight lately probably from lifting my 14 and 11 pound babies! I need to call for an appointment soon! I got Jon this book - he seems to like it.

Something that I keep forgetting to mention (though it really isn't all the interesting) is that the spot on my belly just below my rib cage that had been bothering me during the pregnancy so much that I didn't like anything touching it now just feels numb.

Today, the babies and I went on a walk around Greenlake with two ladies from my support group and their babies - one of the ladies told me that they heard from another lady in our group still cycling and that her beta came back at 0. I am so sad for her that it didn't work - I thought for sure it would based on the great news she was getting from the doctors - I just wish there was something I could do in order for a cycle to work for her.

9 years!

Today is our 9th wedding anniversary! Happy 9 years, Jon! It's hard to believe it's been 9 years. Tonight, Jon and I are just going to go out to dinner and see a movie - not sure where we're eating and what movie but we'll figure it out. We have Jon's mom and a friend (Ally) coming over to babysit (well, Jon's mom is already here - she comes every Wednesday). I'm looking forward to going out on a date with my husband! Of course, I'll think about the babies while I'm out.

Benjamin is so cute - he is just so happy laying on the gymini talking. He's making some different sounds too. One funny thing - well, I think it's funny - the other morning around 3 or so, he farted in his sleep and just after that gave a little chuckle. He already thinks farts are funny. I just thought his little laugh was so cute!

And today - Ella slept for over an hour in her crib!!! I cannot believe it. And right now, she's sleeping in this little bassinet thingy in the livingroom.

There was something else I was going to write about, but I can't remember what it is now. I have more pictures to post on my flickr site - hopefully, I'll get around to doing that before the weekend is over. My sister is coming over sometime this weekend supposedly - we'll see. And my brother has informed me that he's moving out and going back to Spokane to finish his AA degree, then he'll transfer to a 4 year school.

Well, that's all for now - maybe later I'll remember what else I was going to write about.

M

Today's events

Regarding Beagle's and Alli's comments - yep, stupid question I know when they are this small. I even had a twin dad ask me yesterday at Greenlake if they were twins, but he readily admitted it was a stupid question. His twins were a year old. I had guessed 9 months but they were born 8 weeks early so I was kinda close in my guess.

So today, Benjamin and I went to a friend's baby shower and we had a wonderful time - at least, I think Benjamin had an o.k. time - so many people said he's gotten so big - which he has - Ella seems so light compared to him. He does have 3 pounds more than her and he's 3 inches longer though Ella seems to want to eat more so I think she's going through another growth spurt. Anyway, back to the shower... one of the things that the hostess of the baby shower did that I thought was a wonderful idea was a "giving tree" in which people there could take a "leaf" from the tree and do what was on the leaf. I chose to bring them groceries. What a great idea and for a new mom, help in any shape it comes in is always appreciated. Another thing that she did that was a great idea was have each of us e-mail her something we wanted to say to the babies and she put each quote onto a cut out butterfly and each butterfly was put together into a frame. My friend teared up as did I - what a wonderful gift and I'm so happy for all of us in our support group! Just one more lady from our group to get pregnant and I'm hopeful that this current cycle will be it for her. I so hope that this is it for her.

It was so nice to see everyone. I can't wait for our little reunion dinner in a couple weeks though I'll be seeing some of them this coming week for a visit or a walk around Greenlake.

Last night, Jon took care of the babies so I could sleep upstairs. I got an o.k. night's sleep but I kept waking up wondering why my babies weren't crying for food. It turns out that they're sleeping more now - I think Benjamin made it 6 hours from the beginning of one feed to the next and Ella made it 4. Yay! I hope that tonight they will do the same as tonight I'm on my own.

Well, while Jon and the babies are napping, I need to try to get some things done. The list of things to do never ends!

Small break

As the babies are resting, I thought I would write a blog entry. Of course, I should probably do the ten million other things I need to do - including yet more thank you cards - but I'm eating my lunch now so I'll blog while I eat.

The babies are not resting in their cribs. I tried to put Benjamin in there and he just screamed at me, so I let him rest in the co-sleeper. Ella is sleeping in a boppy on our bed - her favorite place to sleep. I know I'm not supposed to let her sleep there, but that's where she will sleep and I just have to do what works for right now. I did manage to get her sleep in her crib the other day for about 40 minutes. I will be trying some more over the next few weeks so hopefully, they will be o.k. with sleeping in their cribs by the time I go back to work which would be when they'll be a little over 3 months which is when I wanted to move them into their cribs anyway.

Some cute things to share - lately, Ella has been enjoying stuffing her whole fist into her mouth - or at least trying really hard to do so. Sometimes she'll suck on her thumb when she manages to separate it from the rest of her hand, but most of the time, it's her whole hand. She's also taken to sucking on my shoulder or arm or whatever is near her mouth as I'm holding her.

Benjamin rolled halfway onto his side again the other day. He's trying to roll over - he's so close but he seems to only get halfway before rolling back onto his back. Yesterday, the three of us went for a walk around Greenlake on our own and halfway through, Benjamin HAD to be held. Usually, it is Ella, but lately, Benjamin has wanted to be held more and more. This is going to be a challenge. It already is! This morning, they both wanted to held so they could snuggle right into me - but not laying down - oh no, we had to be standing up and I just can't hold them both like that unless I have the Bjorn and only then, I can only hold them for so long. So they were both screaming when they weren't being held.

The other day, I went to the store with the twins along with my brother and a lady came up to us and this is how the conversation went...

"Are they twins," a lady asked as she ran up to us.
"Yes," I said.
"Two boys?"
"No, a boy and a girl."
"Is this the girl," she asked as she pointed at Ella.
"Yes."
"I could tell."
Me in my head - then why did you ask if I had two boys?

And final bit of info - why do I still find myself jealous of pregnant women? I'll admit that despite how uncomfortable I was toward the end and the lengthy hospital stay, I do miss being pregnant. I would love to do it all over again but I don't think that'll happen. I loved feeling the kicks and the hiccups. Tomorrow, I'm going to a friend's baby shower who is also having boy/girl twins. I am so looking forward to seeing her and the rest of the ladies from my support group - it will be the first time we've all been together in a while. I've seen the ladies on their own but we haven't been together as a group for probably close to a year now as the first lady to leave got pregnant around this time last year. I'm probably going to take one of the babies with me so Jon and I can have one on one time with one of the babies - it will probably be Benjamin as he's the mellower baby of the two (and probably the only time he'll go to a baby shower). :-D

Well, this post is getting long and I really should go do some things that really need to be done as I think I heard a baby squeaking a moment ago so I probably don't have much time left.

Almost 10 weeks!

To answer Kerry Lynn, I did get that picture from South Park studio. I also have a Simpsons me and an M&M me, but I like the South Park one the best. :-D

Well, today was a good day - I am so grateful for those good days. Babies were mostly good until the evening - why do they get so fussy in the evening? Today, I got Benjamin to sleep in his crib for his two naps today! He can be such an easy baby most of the time. Right now, he's talking to something downstairs - maybe to Jon right now. Ella didn't want to stay in her crib for too long, so I let her sleep in our room. She will definitely be the challenge in getting to sleep in the other room as she is the one who needs to be held. She did seem interested in the mobile though - but only for so long.

Ella still spits up a lot and because of that fusses a lot - I thought by switching to this new formula that has probiotics in it (as the pediatrician's office suggested) that would help, but no. Of course, she spits up breast milk so why would the new formula help? I'm giving the formula a few more days, then I'll call them again. A friend suggested I try a soy formula - I have a sample that was sent to me so we should just try it. I also got her a little foam mattress thing that will elevate her when she's sleeping in the co-sleeper or in the crib, if she'll sleep in there.

Yesterday, the four of us went to an indoor picnic with those from our multiples class - we had a good time chatting with everyone and seeing everyone's twins. I think we're planning on a Christmas get-together. However, some of us will probably continue to get together at Greenlake or at each other's homes or brave the movies again.

Oh, speaking of which, my boss came over yesterday with her daughter (she's in her early 20s) to watch Ben & Ella. Jon and I went to go see Ratatouille - it was a cute movie - not the best Pixar movie, but I liked it. I am so grateful for them coming over - we needed a "date". We're going to go again - this time to dinner - on the 29th for our 9th wedding anniversary. A friend is going to watch them.

Well, that's about it from here. Oh, on Saturday, Benjamin was about halfway flipped over - it must have been a fluke because he hasn't done it again. I was getting all excited about him flipping over! Tomorrow they will be 10 weeks old - amazing!

So Sweet!!!

Today, I had quite interesting conversations with Benjamin and Ella. They are so cute when they "talk" with me. I love it. I love those sweet little smiles of theirs too. I am still amazed that I am their mother - I have to keep telling myself that I'm not just babysitting someone else's babies.

Well, this past week was a walking week. We went walking around the neighborhood of a new friend of ours from our childbirth class (I only had Ella with me and thank goodness b/c the walk wouldn't have been doable with the double stroller - I had Ella in the Bjorn - Benjamin stayed behind with grandma so they could have some one on one time). That walk was quite the workout - we walked up a HUGE hill on the way back to her house and it was hot outside. Then on Thursday, we walked around Greenlake with other twin moms - four moms and eight babies total - needless to say, we got stopped quite a few times with different comments - some other twin moms saying it gets easier while one said 0-1 was the easiest time for her (from the sounds of it, it sounds like she did some sort of fertility treatment too but didn't come right out and say it). We met a father of twin boys of which I saw again the next day when I went to Greenlake with some ladies from our childbirth class (6 moms altogether - quite the little caravan but we didn't get nearly as many comments as the 4 twin moms did the day before).

Today, the four of us (Jon, myself and the babies) went to a picnic with the multiples group that we are members of. We didn't stay too long, but hopefully, I'll be able to meet up with some moms at the next meeting or playdate. Tomorrow, we have another picnic with couples from our multiples class. I'm very much looking forward to it! After the picnic, my boss and her daughter offered to watch the babies while Jon and I went out. I wanted to go see Pirates or Shrek but no, they aren't playing anywhere nearby. UGH - all the movies I wanted to see came out when I was in the hospital and now they're not in any theaters that are close by. Boo! So, we might see Ratoutouille or Stardust.

It's going to be weird to have my boss in my house - not sure why, it just will be. I hope she doesn't come into my house and think I'm always a total slob. Some things just aren't getting done on as regular of a basis as they should be.

Well, I'm about to go to bed. Tonight, Jon is letting me have the night off as I let him have the night off last night - and that isn't so much a good time when the babies are tag teaming you. Oy! And it doesn't help that both babies wanted to be snuggled and trying to juggle both babies was challenging.

Anyway, off to bed. :-D

2 posts in one day!

So the babies have been really easy to take care of today - they've slept pretty much the entire day except when they are eating and even then, they don't seem to have quite the appetite today as they usually do. Also, when Ella does eat, she seems to spit it right back up (again, more so than usual). I was just reading that all of this is normal, but it still has me a bit worried! Hopefully, they'll be back to their normal selves by tomorrow! I like seeing them talk to the toys on their play mats and smiling at me!

So far...

You know what hurts? A clogged milk duct - holy cow! Thankfully, that issue is now resolved.

So far today, the twins are being good. Ella has been sleeping most of the morning. She woke up briefly to eat, then went right back to sleep. I thought she would be waking up by now to eat some more and to play, but not yet. Ben ate and then wanted to play, so he played while I cleaned some dishes. Then we hung out together and he's now sleeping. Of course, the day isn't over yet. I really thought they'd be hungry by now.

I put some more pictures on my flickr site - some were taken on Sunday on their 2 month birthday and some were taken yesterday. Today, they are 9 weeks old.

Ella has taken to sticking out her tongue lately. Not sure what she's doing there. What's cute is that when we say hi to her, it really looks like she is trying hard to say hi back.

Benjamin, I keep forgetting to mention, has a bit of an umbilical hernia. The NP we saw yesterday said that it should go away on its own, but it looks uncomfy. He doesn't seem bothered by it though.

Tomorrow, my mother-in-law is coming up to help me with the twins. I think she's staying through Thursday. I might be walking around Greenlake the next 3 days with either singleton moms or twin moms - gotta get that exercise in! I wanted to go today, but I wasn't sure how the twins would be. I'm not sure if I mentioned or not, but I'm at my pre-pregnancy weight - I might even be a little less than that. I definitely weigh less than I did when I first went to my OB (whenever that was - maybe 10 weeks? - I could look it up, but I'm not going to - she said I weighed 7 pounds less than I did when I first went there).

This weekend, we have 2 picnics planned. The first is with a multiples group we are members of and the second is with couples from my UW multiples class. It will be a busy weekend!

Well, this post is getting way too long. I think I hear a baby fussing anyway!

2 months old!

Sunday on their 2 month birthday (one of my friends will notice we put the onesies on them that she got for them - Benjamin is close to outgrowing this onesie that it almost looks like a muscle shirt on him).

They had their 2 month checkup today and the stats are...

Benjamin - 12 pounds 10.4 ounces (75th percentile) and 23 inches long (50th percentile) - he's a chunky one!

Ella - 9 pounds 13 ounces (25th percentile) and 20 inches long (25th percentile) - she's a petite girl.

They didn't have the results of the ultrasound though I thought the hospital was going to fax it over on Friday.

The twins had immunization shots today too and boy, they were not happy campers at the time and they weren't when we came home. I would hold them, but any slightest movement started them screaming again and they seemed to want to be held too. Right now, they are sleeping but who knows for how long that will last. It's going to be a rough night.

In other news, this past Saturday, I went over to meet other twin mom for a tea for new members to the multiples group I am a member of. There were 4 other twin moms there and one expecting twin mom there. It was nice to meet other twin moms - I feel like these groups will be a great source of support and advice for us. I had a good time at the tea. It is always helpful to talk to other moms, especially other twin moms. I had thought of going to a meeting tonight that this group has every month for first year moms but the twins were really fussy after the shots today and I didn't want to leave Jon at home with both of them being like that.

Anyway, that's about all that's going on here. I hope tomorrow will be o.k. - I'm a little nervous of having two screaming babies all day long - I had hoped to get some help for tomorrow but I was unable to. I will have help on Wednesday and possibly Thursday, thank goodness.

Firsts

The hospital pictures that I ordered of Ben & Ella arrived today. Were they ever that little? Ben is such the little chunky baby - so cute! And Ella is gaining weight too. This Sunday they will be 2 months old! So hard to believe that 2 months ago I was about to deliver these cuties!

This week was a week of firsts for the babies. Yesterday, we went over to Lincoln Square in Bellevue to see "The Bourne Ultimatum". This theater offers a 10 a.m. showing of 3 different movies for parents with infants and older children each Thursday. They also give you a menu to order from and they bring the food to you, which is nice.

I met up with 2 other twin moms to see this movie. I missed a good chunk of it to go change some diapers and to quiet down 2 fussy babies, but it seemed like a good movie. I'll need to see it again later to catch the parts I missed. For a little bit, one of the other twin moms helped me out while here babies were sleeping and she held Ella. So thankful for that. However, after we came back from the restroom, I put Ella into the Bjorn and held Benjamin off to the side for a while - my arm is so tired as is my back, but it helped soothe them. I don't think I'll go see another action movie with them though - all the loud noises startled them, especially Ella. The other twin moms agree. I will probably go back sometime though. It would be easier with someone else there though.

Speaking of movies, I watched "Shut Up and Sing" the other day, and the part where one of the ladies has her twins (she and her sister conceived through IVF) and they play "Lullaby" just teared me up (love that song)! It was an interesting documentary.

As for today, the babies had their first out of the womb ultrasound. Their pediatrician wanted to do an ultrasound on their hips since they were born via c-section. Apparently, going through the birth canal helps with pushing the hips into place. The ultrasound guy didn't say anything was wrong, but we'll know for sure on Monday when the twins have their 2 month checkup.

After the ultrasound, Jon and I got some lunch, then we took Jon back to work and we went back home. I fed the babies then I let them play for a bit (so cute - Benjamin was talking and laughing to the bear or the rings hanging from the mat), then we took a nap on the couch. It was so nice to snuggle with them. Ella kept moving all around to get a comfy position on my chest and Benjamin, it seemed to me, looked at her as if he was telling her to stop moving already and just relax and sleep.

After that, we got up and went back to Jon's work as he wanted to show off the twins at their department's happy hour. Yep, the twins have gone to their first happy hour. It wasn't at a bar, but rather in one of the rooms in their building, but there was alcohol present. Neither I nor the twins had any. ;-D

Well, that's about it for now. I am going to try to remember to take a picture of the twins on Sunday for their 2 month birthday. They have gotten so big! We'll find out on Monday exactly what they weigh! Well, it's time for bed. I hope everyone is doing well!

8 weeks!

Aww, my babies are 8 weeks already! Time flies when you're in a sleep deprived state. Right now, my two cuties are resting - they are so unbelievably cute...even when they're screaming - though I'd rather they didn't.

Today, we went on a walk around Greenlake with two other twin moms. It was actually a very tiring walk for me physically. Then about 1/4 of the way through, Ella was not a happy baby and she wanted nothing to do with the pacifier. Thankfully, one of the twin moms happened to have a Baby Bjorn (I forgot mine at home) and let me use it - she had been using it but her baby was asleep now. Ella LOVED it. She was so unhappy with me when I took her out of it - though when we were done walking, it was time to eat again so she could have been upset about that - it was probably both things. Benjamin slept through the entire walk - such a mellow baby (most of the time).

Then later, we got home and I thought I would attempt to pump while feeding the babies as they lay on the Boppy pillows as one twin mom suggested - it actually worked out better than I thought it would. I hadn't tried before now because I know I need to burp babies and it's just awkward to hold a baby while pumping, but it wasn't that bad (before now, I waited until the babies were sleeping and these days is a lot less than earlier - they want to awake for longer periods during the day). I may actually pump more now. We'll see. It would be nice if I can give them even more breastmilk and less formula.

After that, our friend Kelly came over for a visit and the babies went on their first geocaching adventure. Kelly is a big geocaching fan. I hope she'll share the picture she took of the babies with their first find. :-D Thanks Kelly for holding and feeding Benjamin! I should have taken a picture of the two of you! After you left, there was no nap time for me - both babies woke up and wanted held. I tried what one twin mom did at our meeting last week and put one baby in the Bjorn and hold the other - that only works for so long - those babies are getting a little heavy! Luckily, Jon came home shortly thereafter.

Well, I'm tired so off to bed I go - for however long that may be.

Mommy, stop with the pictures and pick me up!

Mommy, stop with the pictures and pick me up!
Originally uploaded by heathercim

Ella in her cute little outfit - she isn't the happy camper in this picture.

Today, the three of us went to my work to say hi and for me to fill out vacation/sick/FMLA paperwork as my official maternity leave ends August 8! I told my boss I will return on September 24 using up 2 weeks vacation, 6 sick days and 3 weeks of FMLA time. I had intended to take 4 weeks of unpaid time off, but I think this will be o.k. Of course, I can always change it if I need to.

With my sleep deprived state, I had trouble understanding simple things while filling out the paperwork. UGH! My boss probably doesn't want me to come back if I have this much trouble filling out this simple form!!!

It was nice to visit. A couple coworkers offered to feed my babies so I could eat the lunch my boss bought for me - so very nice of them! My boss also gave me the gift that the department was going to give me for the work baby shower that I never got to have since I was put into the hospital. I think they might have one when I return...maybe. So very appreciative of the gift - a gift card to Target!

Wel. it is past my bedtime these days so I should go - I wish it was the weekend already. Sure, I'm not going to work, but with just me at home, it feels like I'm working. Going to work actually seems more relaxing (I might have said this before, but I can't remember and I'm too lazy to look at my previous blog entries - I might become a bit repetitive - more so than I already was).

Ben hanging out (7 weeks 6 days)

Ben hanging out (7 weeks 6 days)
Originally uploaded by heathercim

Just so cute in this outfit.

Ella & Benjamin resting at the childbirth class reunion party

Ella & Benjamin resting at the childbirth class reunion party
Originally uploaded by heathercim

Yesterday, we went to our childbirth class reunion party over in West Seattle. We had a good time and at this point of the party, our babies are sound asleep. This was not the case before or after this picture (added a few more to my flickr site if anyone cares to see them). It was so nice to see everyone. I saw a couple of the women last week when we walked around Greenlake and I hope we'll be able to meet with them again for a walk. I might also be getting together for a walk with women from my multiples class too.

Tomorrow, we are going to my work to complete some paperwork and maybe have lunch depending on how the babies are when I get there. Ella has been really fussy today and I really think she has reflux so I need to call her pediatrician - I don't think we can wait until next week for their 2 month check-up. Poor baby...I wish there was something more I can do to help her but I'm doing all I know to do except give her medication and I want the o.k. from the doctor to do that.

Well, I'm exhausted and so I think I'll finish up my dinner and go to bed early...of course, that is always my intention and inevitably, when I get into bed, one of the babies wakes up and needs a feeding or diaper change or both. Oh, before I end this post...earlier, we put them onto a little mat on the floor with toys and a mirror (they were on there at different times). Benjamin was talking to the baby he saw in the mirror and Ella was talking to an animal hanging from the pole attached to the mat. Both made little laughs and Benjamin gave me the hugest smile earlier in the day too. Aww, just melts my heart!

7 weeks 2 days

Well, Tuesday went a lot better than Monday... of course, we spent half our day at a friend's house and others were holding the babies. Thanks for letting us come over Kendra!

Wednesday started out the same as Monday, but got a lot better. Today, has been pretty good thankfully! I was able to finish Harry Potter! Right now, both babies are asleep. It took Benjamin a while as he didn't want to sleep even though he kept yawning and slowly closing his eyes then jerking them wide open. Silly baby - don't resist the sleep! Ella has only woken up to eat which isn't quite like her. The babies have switched for the day apparently.

Tomorrow I'm going to another meeting of the twin moms - I'm looking forward to it as there is a lot on my mind - did things really get better after 8 weeks and how do the moms handle the stress of two babies crying at the same time needing someone to hold them? perhaps twin moms who read this can answer - I might have already asked this question but I don't remember. I keep meaning to e-mail some of the twin moms who have responded to my earlier questions but I just haven't yet. I just managed to order the hospital pictures and the babies are nearly 2 months old! My list of things to do is just so long so I should probably go do them but I'm pretty sure the babies are about to wake up to eat pretty soon so there isn't much time to do anything on that list!

Oh, and that reminds me. I was going through the 3-6 month clothes that I have as Benjamin is around 12 pounds now and a lot of the 0-3 month clothes say up to 11 or 12 pounds, so we need to break into the 3-6 month clothes except...I just noticed that some of those clothes say up to 12.5 pounds. UGH! So I should have had him wearing these clothes before now? Makes me sad that some of these cute clothes he may never wear. Sigh. Oh well, maybe my sister-in-law will have her unborn son wear them. I don't think I've mentioned that my sister-in-law is pregnant - she's due in late December. There is a possibility that the baby may have Down's syndrome - they're checking on that later this month.

As for the girl clothes, I'm going to see if my support group buddy wants them. There are some clothes for her that go up to 11.5 pounds though they say they are for 3-6 months. I wish I would have noticed the weight and separated by weight. Of course, not all of the clothing manufacturers list a weight - they really all should.

On a final note - the cutest thing happened yesterday (I think it was yesterday). Oliver came up to Ella and rubbed his head against hers - aww, he likes her!!!