[ 8 Weeks Old ]

It's amazing at how fast time goes and how much they grow. Both girls are doing well with lifting their heads and are becoming more aware of their hands. They are even starting to smile, which I can't get enough of!





How are we doing? Okay I guess!

The girls are staying awake more, but it's in the later part of the afternoon and into the evening. Which is okay. We're wanting to start putting the girls to bed around 8 or 9 and if they aren't tired, we just let them cry in their cribs. They have to learn it's bedtime!

Nursing is getting a lot better, it doesn't hurt anymore. However, I'm finding it hard to "pump and store" for when I go back to work. When you are feeding two babies, you don't really have any left over! So we've tried giving the girls formula at night, allowing me to start storing milk for when I go back to work. The girls seem to like it. I mean, they eat it and don't have any spit ups. However, I think it's giving them tummy aches. They've been extra fussy lately and have had a lot of gas. Let me tell you, I never knew something so small and adorable could smell so bad!! I'm hoping they'll just get used to the formula... because I need that time to store milk. We're even added some breast milk to the bottle to help.

We had a great time in Pine Valley and it was great to see the family! But it's back to reality and trying to get the girls on a better schedule. Their 2 month appointment isn't until August 18th, which they'll almost be 3 months old! I'm trying to see if they have any cancellations for something sooner. I can't wait to see how much they've grown and talk to their pediatrician!

Until next time...

P.S. Like the blog makeover? I have to admit I stole the concept from my cousin Rochelle! I hope she doesn't mind! I just wanted to be able to post bigger pictures, because let's face it... My girls are adorable and deserve to take up the entire screen!

See the resemblance?

We've discovered that Ella looks more like my sister Erica did when she was little than me, her own mother!! Here I put in 36 weeks of pregnancy, all the work and Erica gets the glory!

Whatever!

Erica

Ella

Me

- Identical!! -

Monochorionic twins generally have two amniotic sacs (called Monochorionic-Diamniotic "MoDi"), which occurs in 60–70% of the pregnancies with monozygotic twins (identical twins) . Monochorionic-Diamniotic twins are almost always monozygotic, with a few exceptions where the blastocysts have fused.

Make sense? I had to look up almost every other word! But in the long run it means identical twins in two separate sacs. That's what my Dr told my last Friday when I went in for my 6 week postpartum appointment. So there you have it... Identical! How sure are we? My Dr says he is about 90% sure that they are MoDi. Is that good enough for me? Yes, yes it is! Why?

Because I'm sick of having the "Um, I don't know!" face when people ask me. "How do you NOT know?" or "Well were they in one or two sacs?" are the responses I always get from people. And I really hate going into the whole "well this doctor said one thing and another doctor said this etc etc..." Because people don't care what the doctors say. As soon as I mention that they were in 2 sacs, everyone snaps back.. "Well then they are fraternal." So I'm just done. I'm gonna stick with my doctor! We may have the girls tested later, but for now.. Identical!

The rest of the appointment went well. My incision has healed nicely and Dr Kaelberer says I look great! I'm actually 3 lbs lighter than what I was before I got pregnant!! Who knew? I had to get pregnant with twins to lose weight. He also said that if I continue to nurse, the weight will continue to drop. Of course I have to eat healthy and try to get some exercise. Which I'm going to really try to start doing!

My body type/shape has completely changed since I've had the girls. I now have way bigger boobs and my stomach hasn't tightened just yet. So yes, my stomach is just loose skin that hangs, mega gross!! So none of my pre pregnancy clothes fit or look good on me anymore! It's very frustrating! However, Erica, Kalie and I did hit up Kohl's the other day and they helped me pick out a few new shirts to compliment my new shape! It was a lot of fun! I'm hoping to just keep losing and getting more active so that I'll be able to keep up with these girls...

Our next stop will be the girls 2 month appointment, which is just around the corner! They'll be 8 weeks next Sunday, CRAZY!! I'm very excited to see how much weight they've gained! Hopefully nursing has been enough!

But before their 2 month appointment, we've got Pine Valley over the 24th with my family! Oh I'm so excited!! This is going to be a much needed 4 day weekend! Kelly and I plan on leaving late Wednesday night so we can have at least 3 full days before coming home on Sunday. I'm also excited to see all of the family! Pine Valley is another world! I have so many great memories from childhood and now as an adult! It's a Snow Family Tradition for the 24th of July and I'm happy to continue the tradition with our small family! The girls may not be able to participate in the races this year, but we'll have fun anyways!

SUPER EXCITED for this next weekend!! I'll be seeing most of you soon. But for the rest, have a Happy 24th!!

I want them BACK!

I want my boobs back. That's right, my boobs! T.M.I? Sorry it's how I feel. They are no longer just eye candy. :)

Nowadays, they aren't mine. They belong to the girls. Don't get me wrong, I love my girls and I don't blame them. I just don't like the pain. The cracked nipples, poor latches, engorgement! Will it get better as they get older or worse? Getting older means a better understanding and better latching... however, doesn't that also mean more pain? And what about when they start getting teeth. OMG! I hate thinking about it.

I know I should NEVER wish for the girls to be bigger, because I will regret it. They'll end up growing up too fast. But when can I start with rice cereal? 4-6 months? How long do you nurse? Until about 12 months? I haven't even been doing this for 2 full months and I'm already complaining. Please don't think ill of me... I shouldn't be selfish! My girls need me! And if nursing is the best thing for them... then I'll deal through my problems.

Thank God for the pump. At least I can get a break every once in awhile. My next obstacle is to start pumping and saving for when I go back to work. Because I'm feeding two girls at once, the only time I can pump is after the feedings. However, it's not that much because the girls pretty much take it all. That's my biggest worry right now. Going back to work. Will I still be waking up 3 times a night to feed them? Will I have enough milk to start? Will I be able to pump at work? So much to worry about!!

Alright, I'm done complaining. Sorry about the personal post. I just had to get it off my chest. Ha Ha, CHEST!! :)

| 1 Month Old |

Avie and Ella

Can you believe it? Our precious baby girls are already 1 month old! And what a month it has been...

It's been hard, I won't lie. But there has been so good times as well. The girls sleeping schedule is still backwards. Sleep all day, awake all night. I've been trying to keep them awake more during the day, but that's better said than done. I don't know how other Moms with twins do it. It's really hard to handle two babies at once. But I'm trying. They also like to take turns as far as who is going to be the pain of the evening. Avie will wake up every 3 hours with Ella sound asleep, but then the next time it will be reversed. I feel so bad for the sleeping baby, waking them up to eat. But gotta keep them on the same eating schedule.

Their eating schedule seems to be the only thing that I've mastered. They are both starting to eat better and I think they are going through a growth spurt. They no longer eat every 4 hours, but every 2-3 hours. In the beginning, I had designated one side to a baby for nursing. They just seemed to favor one side. Avie latches on really well and is an excellent eater but Ella has a little harder time with nursing, she doesn't have the best latch. But I'm trying to work on that. Not only for her sake, but for mine... Can you say OUCH! However, I'm now starting to alternate. It's been hard with the difference in milk supply, but we'll get there. Both are gaining weight, so that's a good thing!! I'm not sure how much Ella is now. She weighed 6lbs 1oz at her 2 week appt and seems to be getting bigger. Avie was 7lbs 4oz when we saw the Dr last Thursday. She is a chunk!! But they are both still so small. I have no idea what I'm gonna do when they get bigger like 10 lbs each. It will be weird.

They are both so different! Avie loves to cuddle, she always has to be held. Ella is more independent, but still likes the occasional cuddle. Ella's cry is screeching death, while Avie's is deeper. Both girls like to pee on you when you change their diapers or right when you put on a clean one. Ella doesn't like to have messy diapers often and it worries me. However she has plenty of wet ones so she isn't dehydrated. Kalie loves to help out! Ella enjoys it when Kalie rubs her stomach.

I'm hoping that the next month is better. We'll be working on their sleeping schedules and perfecting nursing. We'll be headed down to Pine Valley with family over the 24th of July and I can't wait. I just hope we make some progress before we go down.

I've ordered some books online... one to help with the sleeping schedule and then one for help nursing and more. I can't wait until they can be more alert so it's easier to keep them awake during the day.

Let's see what the next month brings!!

Primary Children's Visit

Our little Avie Bug...

Avie had a Dr appointment this morning to double check a heart murmur that they noticed at last weeks visit. Our pediatrician was still hearing her heart murmur and was seeing some heavy breathing. So to be on the cautious side, she sent us up to Primary Children's Hospital.

3 hours later and after an Echo, Xray and ECG... The Dr told us that Avie is perfectly healthy! I'm so glad that I was in panic mode, witnessing my little girl go through test after test to find out that she is okay.

What IS wrong?! Well, the Dr wrote down the technical term, but I'll have to explain it anyways. It turns out that Avie's pulmonary artery is narrow, so it makes a sound when the blood runs through it. The Dr said it's common in preemies and that 99% of the time, it fixes on it's own. She also has a valve that is a little bigger than normal in the right side of her heart. But Dr says that 95% of babies with this problem, it fixes itself within the first year.

So that's the plan... Go back up to Primary's when Avie is a year old. But until then, she's perfect! All I know is that I do NOT want to have another day like today!!

Worst part of today! Conversation with a mother in radiology.

Woman: Your daughter is beautiful. What is she here for?

Me: We are checking on her heart murmur.

Woman: Really? That's what my son had. He ended up having a heart transplant a few weeks ago.. He's 4 months old.

Me: [ mouth wide open... hands start shaking... PANIC ]

THANK YOU stranger! Why don't you choose your words a little more wisely when talking to a new mother!

Happy Father's Day!

Today was a beautiful day!!

It didn't start out wonderful... the girls didn't have the best night last night. They weren't fussy, they just didn't seem to want to sleep. Typical!

But even with little sleep, Kelly was able to enjoy his first Father's Day! Yard work, which is his favorite and then celebrating over at Dad's house for a BBQ! It was so nice to get out of the house. It's really the first time I've done something since I've had the girls... which is sad to say, because they are 3 weeks old today! Crazy, right?

The girls enjoyed the sun and I was able to snap a few photos with the help of the family!

Happy Father's Day!!

First Family Photo

Our Girls, Ella & Avie!

The proud parents!

Ella (our turtle)

Avie (our frog)

Loved by Grandma and Grandpa!

Photos?!

I'm a terrible mother! I never take photos of the girls... but I hope to start going picture crazy this week.

I don't want to miss out on any photo ops! Especially because the girls are already growing up so fast! We've moved on to newborn diapers! Bye Bye Premies!!

I don't know where the camera is... or else I'd put up a few candids. But tomorrow is Father's Day, our first!! I promise I'll go camera crazy and post some pictures soon!

Hope all is well! Love to all!!

Girl Buzz

Today I allowed Erica to buzz the girls heads...

Yup, my girls now look like cancer patients. It was really hard to watch and even harder now to see them bald. I was really afraid that it would hurt the girls, but Erica did a great job. It actually put both of them to sleep.

Why on earth did we do this? With Erica being an amazing hairstylists, she is in the "know." Buzzing the girls hair off will now allow it to grow in evenly and possibly thicker. Was it so wrong of me to do this? I don't think so. The girls were already starting to lose some of their hair, which newborns tend to do. They'll just need to wear some headbands and bows for the next 6 months. No worries! Kalie and Erica made plenty of those! Plus I have Erica's guarantee that this is going to work. If it doesn't, Erica swore to buy them wigs for the rest of their lives and that I can hate her for all eternity. I trust her... It's just sad to see my girls with no hair!

I know many of you who read this will think I'm crazy and wonder how the hell I could do something like this to my little baby girls. I'm taking a chance! With how thin my hair is and non existent KJ's is, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help my girls grow thicker, more even hair!

Call me crazy... wouldn't be the first time.

one step at a time

What a difference a day makes...

It's been a roller coaster of emotions lately, but I can see the light. I know that it's still going to have it's down moments, but I think I'm ready for it.

What have I done differently? Well, I've actually started to sleep when the girls are sleeping. If not sleep, I rest... take it easy with just laying on the couch and catching up on my Boy Meets World episodes. It's been really easy to rest with my Mom here with me this week. She's been handling all of the cooking and cleaning, which has been so helpful!

I've also made the decision to nurse for the night time, early morning feedings. I've been pumping and then bottle feeding the girls at night with Kelly, but they just didn't seem to like it. They would fuss more, not go back to sleep and it would frustrate both Kelly and I. With me nursing at night, they seem to get more of the comfort feel. Also, I haven't had to wake Kelly up for his help the past 2 nights, which means he has been getting 6-7 hours of solid sleep. I can't believe how happy that makes me. I didn't realize how important that was to me until it happened. Kelly is working 10-12 hours a day and it's hard labor. He's out there providing for our little family. I think because of that, I can handle the night shift alone.

We are also trying to change the girls awake/sleep schedule. We've kept them in as much light as possible during the day and no light at night. We've also stopped bundling them up all tight during the day, saving that for a night time comfort. TUMMY TIME!! More and more of tummy time each day. If you read my Facebook status yesterday, you will know that Ella rolled over yesterday, from tummy to back. Avie is getting really close. Both girls love sticking their butts in the air as well as pushing their heads with their arms. It's amazing at how much they learn... Better enjoy them this small, because people are right. They grow up so fast!!

Yesterday we also had both umbilical cords fall off. Avie's came first while Ella's fell off shortly after. Hers falling off was much more eventful. Erica was nice enough to offer to change Ella's diaper and that was followed by a scream I heard from the kitchen. There is Erica acting all squeamish and asking Kelly to switch her babies, switch her babies! Apparently when Erica went to remove Ella's diaper, the cord fell off and fell onto her leg. She flipped! It was pretty funny to watch!!

Both girls are doing fine. I could just stare at them all day long! Ella is such a good sleeper and Avie likes to pee over everything.

Which leads me to a great question. When you know the girls are in need of a diaper change, when do you change them? My guess would be right away... but not with my girls!! It seems that every time we go to change their diapers something happens. We usually always hear a wet fart come from Ella as soon as she gets a new diaper on. And Avie... oh Avie!! The moment you start to wipe her off she pees and poops all over you, the couch, your clothes... everywhere. So I don't get it. They NEED a diaper change, but the moment we do it, the mess all over us or they need another one seconds later. Let's just say we've been going through premie diapers like crazy the past couple of days...

I really need to get camera happy! We miss so many cute moments... Ella makes the best KJ faces and loves playing the air guitar and Avie has the biggest eyes! Oh I LOVE THESE GIRLS!!

So that was my rants and ravings for the day. Things are slowing getting better... however I'm not looking forward to the crying getting worse. I hope our roommates don't hate us! I'm looking forward to Father's Day and spending time with the family. But also looking forward to our visit to Pine Valley over the 24th of July!

Taking it day by day!!