I would just like to inform you that Evan has been asking to pee in the potty a few times a day and always manages to squeeze something out. This has been going on for about 2 weeks. Well today #2 made it's first appearance. I'll spare you the details, but we are super proud of our big boy!
Here's a poop funny for you...one of Evan's "memorable moments" last week from daycare read as follows: Evan was so cute today. He made us laugh so much! When we asked the kids to get in a line to go outside and play, Evan said "I can't, I'm pooping!" He is so funny.
Now to change the gears from potty talk, Brennan and Carter have had some not so fun times here lately. The poor little guys, I just put two and two together a few days ago when I had a strong suspicion the 24/7 fussiness and crying was due to reflux. We ended up calling the after hours doctor line and the nurse said that's what it sounded like to her too and to make an appointment with our doctor the next day.
I called our pediatrician's office the following morning and talked to a really crabby nurse who claimed I wasn't burping my babies enough. Yeah...whatever! I was so mad, I couldn't even respond to her and promptly called Kevin at work. He called the office and ended up talking to the same nurse and demanded to have an appointment the same day. We ended up getting in :)
Our pediatrician wasn't in, but we were able to see Dr. C, who we've seen a few times before. He believes whole heartedly that they have reflux (poor Brennan's outfit was soaked by the time he made it into the exam room. Our doctor doesn't usually like to give medicine until other options have been ruled out, so knowing this, Dr. C had us switch to a name brand version of the generic formula we were supplementing with. He gave us a whole flat of samples and one can of a ready to feed version in a different variety to have on hand if the first one didn't work out.
We ended up busting out the second kind tonight. The boys were still protesting the name brand version. It is really weird to watch. The kick their feet to get their tiny backs to arch while pulling away from the bottle nipple. They also have a look on their face like you are trying to force feed them poison or something. Oh, and how can I forget the (what seems like) gallons of spit-up?
This kind has rice added into the mixture, which turns to a solid and sits in their bellies a lot better than just pure liquid. They seemed to have tolerated this one a lot better, although they did do the arched back thing a few times during the feeding.
I guess we'll use the rest of that tonight and also some of the breast milk that's in the refrigerator (they don't have too much of problem with that either) and head to the store for more of the second formula. In the mean time, I'm going to pump and nurse my booty off to try and up my supply and get myself closer to keeping up with what they are consuming.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Belated 2 Months
The boys had their two month check-up on Monday. I guess I have little peanuts; Carter weighed 9 pounds 14 ounces (10th percentile) and Brennan weighed 10 pounds 4 ounces (25th percentile). They both got three shots and one oral immunization.
That afternoon was pure bliss as they both slept for about five hours straight. I took some much needed "me time" and spent it goofing off online, watching tv, and sleeping. However, after those five hours elapsed was pure hell. They both woke up screaming their tiny peanut heads off and also had raging fevers. I eventually called Kevin and begged him to blow off the last half hour of work - I needed reinforcements.
Other than that, there's not too much exciting news going on around here. Same stuff, different day.
I took Evan to an independent league baseball game last week. The River City Rascals stadium is only about ten minutes from us, so I decided to try a game out with Ev, we took Uncle Jared with us too. Daddy stayed home to man the zoo.
The first half of the game was interesting, Evan didn't really care to watch even though we had front row seats directly behind home plate. He decided he absolutely needed a small bouncy ball from one of those little quarter machines. That lasted about two innings until it bounced under the row of seats and rolled into the gutter system. That was the end of that.
I then decided to take him up to the concession stand to get something to eat...and get his mind off of that stupid bouncy ball. On our way up the stairs a fell ball literally fell right in front of him. I remember him saying "Oooh, BALL!" as he bent down to pick it up.
The middle portion of the game was alright. We somehow managed to get Evan to watch a little bit and cheer the Rascals on. But soon it started to get late and everything from there was down hill, except the part where he was blissfully eating his chocolate Dippin' Dots of course.
The nice lady behind us apparently thought Uncle Jared was Daddy. She was pointing his direction and saying, "Look, Daddy wants you." Evan looked over and saw someone in the distance who had facial hair like Kevin. He was so tired he was convinced this was his Dad and didn't understand why he wasn't coming over to sit with us. The tears started flowing and the screams of "DADDY! DADDY!" echoed through the stadium. It was time to go.
I don't think we'll be going to a game again for a long time, but Kevin and the grandparents all thought it was really neat that Evan got a foul ball at his first baseball game.
That afternoon was pure bliss as they both slept for about five hours straight. I took some much needed "me time" and spent it goofing off online, watching tv, and sleeping. However, after those five hours elapsed was pure hell. They both woke up screaming their tiny peanut heads off and also had raging fevers. I eventually called Kevin and begged him to blow off the last half hour of work - I needed reinforcements.
Other than that, there's not too much exciting news going on around here. Same stuff, different day.
I took Evan to an independent league baseball game last week. The River City Rascals stadium is only about ten minutes from us, so I decided to try a game out with Ev, we took Uncle Jared with us too. Daddy stayed home to man the zoo.
The first half of the game was interesting, Evan didn't really care to watch even though we had front row seats directly behind home plate. He decided he absolutely needed a small bouncy ball from one of those little quarter machines. That lasted about two innings until it bounced under the row of seats and rolled into the gutter system. That was the end of that.
I then decided to take him up to the concession stand to get something to eat...and get his mind off of that stupid bouncy ball. On our way up the stairs a fell ball literally fell right in front of him. I remember him saying "Oooh, BALL!" as he bent down to pick it up.
The middle portion of the game was alright. We somehow managed to get Evan to watch a little bit and cheer the Rascals on. But soon it started to get late and everything from there was down hill, except the part where he was blissfully eating his chocolate Dippin' Dots of course.
The nice lady behind us apparently thought Uncle Jared was Daddy. She was pointing his direction and saying, "Look, Daddy wants you." Evan looked over and saw someone in the distance who had facial hair like Kevin. He was so tired he was convinced this was his Dad and didn't understand why he wasn't coming over to sit with us. The tears started flowing and the screams of "DADDY! DADDY!" echoed through the stadium. It was time to go.
I don't think we'll be going to a game again for a long time, but Kevin and the grandparents all thought it was really neat that Evan got a foul ball at his first baseball game.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Can I call a time out?
These past few days have been extremely trying for me. The boys have definitely flown right into that oh-so-lovely fussy stage without looking back. Life is complicated and wearing me out.
Both boys have taken a liking to screaming, not crying, any time you aren't holding them. Problem: I only have one set of arms. Solution: There isn't one. This leaves me in quite the pickle on a daily basis. Everyone who comes to visit and witnesses this behavior thanks their lucky stars that they aren't living in this house.
Which brings me to another topic. We are having a house guest for the entire month of September. His name is Jared and he is one of my younger brothers. He is currently in his last year of his pharmacy studies and on his way to becoming a doctor. This entire last year is to be spent in residency, and a new company or job every month. He is usually out in Kansas City with his girlfriend, Ronna. However, this month his residency rotation landed him back in the St. Louis area. Our house is closer to work for him than my mom and dad's so he will be spending most of his time here with us.
I could use the help, quite honestly...so I am excited to have someone who knows how to cook and clean and not afraid/very willing to help out when needed. And boy do we need it!
This weekend we spent a lot of time getting the finished part of the basement into a bedroom-ish type of space. We have put a mini fridge with freezer down there, he has a large flat screen tv, couch, very nice desk, and a bed with trundle (in case his girlfriend decides to come into town and stay). We also put together Evan's big boy room. Very cute! I will try to add some pics to this post once I find the time to download them from my camera. It is bear/camp themed.
Kevin is pretty excited because the twin bed headboard and dresser set are his from when he was younger. It actually goes with the motif quite well. He is currently sleeping in the big boy bed and went down without an inkling of a fight! If I weren't too tired to do or feel anything right now, I would probably be overwhelmed with joy. Instead I am just relieved to have a moment to unwind all to myself.
Tomorrow I must catch up on laundry and clean out Evan's bathroom and bathtub of all toys, etc. We are almost out of clean towels. Ha, I don't actually expect anyone to care about that last part, unless you have to smell any of us if we do happen to run out, just kind of thinking in print.
Hallelujah for having all three babies in bed at a decent hour for once! Oh heavenly silence, I welcome you!
Both boys have taken a liking to screaming, not crying, any time you aren't holding them. Problem: I only have one set of arms. Solution: There isn't one. This leaves me in quite the pickle on a daily basis. Everyone who comes to visit and witnesses this behavior thanks their lucky stars that they aren't living in this house.
Which brings me to another topic. We are having a house guest for the entire month of September. His name is Jared and he is one of my younger brothers. He is currently in his last year of his pharmacy studies and on his way to becoming a doctor. This entire last year is to be spent in residency, and a new company or job every month. He is usually out in Kansas City with his girlfriend, Ronna. However, this month his residency rotation landed him back in the St. Louis area. Our house is closer to work for him than my mom and dad's so he will be spending most of his time here with us.
I could use the help, quite honestly...so I am excited to have someone who knows how to cook and clean and not afraid/very willing to help out when needed. And boy do we need it!
This weekend we spent a lot of time getting the finished part of the basement into a bedroom-ish type of space. We have put a mini fridge with freezer down there, he has a large flat screen tv, couch, very nice desk, and a bed with trundle (in case his girlfriend decides to come into town and stay). We also put together Evan's big boy room. Very cute! I will try to add some pics to this post once I find the time to download them from my camera. It is bear/camp themed.
Kevin is pretty excited because the twin bed headboard and dresser set are his from when he was younger. It actually goes with the motif quite well. He is currently sleeping in the big boy bed and went down without an inkling of a fight! If I weren't too tired to do or feel anything right now, I would probably be overwhelmed with joy. Instead I am just relieved to have a moment to unwind all to myself.
Tomorrow I must catch up on laundry and clean out Evan's bathroom and bathtub of all toys, etc. We are almost out of clean towels. Ha, I don't actually expect anyone to care about that last part, unless you have to smell any of us if we do happen to run out, just kind of thinking in print.
Hallelujah for having all three babies in bed at a decent hour for once! Oh heavenly silence, I welcome you!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
So..yeah...that birth story!
Here ya go!
I had a c-section scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on July 6th. I had a pretty decent holiday weekend before that. Mom and dad came to the house and we grilled some brats, had strawberry shortcake and ice cream, etc. We live in a pretty pyromaniac-ish town, so fortunately every year some neighbors a few streets in front of our house have huge firework display battles. Each house tries to out-do their neighbors and it all ends up just as good as going to a city sponsored fireworks show - all from the comfort of our home and driveway. I was so miserable there was no way I could have gone anywhere, so this worked out great!
Monday morning rolled around and we had to be at the hospital an hour before my surgery time. Kevin had dropped Evan off at Nonna's (grandma) house the night before to make things easier on us. I slept surprisingly well and was actually quite relaxed when it came time to make the trip down the hall and into the operating room.
Kevin waited outside while the anesthesiologist did her thing and then was brought into the room so the surgery could begin. I have to say, in retrospect it was a weird experience. I'm not sure if the power of my mind did this, or if it was an effect of the drugs, but I was super calm and the whole day is quite foggy.
I remember Dr. K asking if I could feel anything and after answering no, she proceeded to make the incision. Fourteen minutes later Brennan Michael was born at 9:44 weighing 6 pounds and 6 ounces and measured 19.7 inches long. A minute later at 9:45 Carter Matthew entered this world and weighed in at 6 pounds and 1 ounce, measuring longer than his (slightly) older brother at an astounding 20.5 inches.
I very distinctly remember hearing their first squeals (no, they were not cries) and I remember saying that I must have given birth to little baby pigs. I peeked over to the nurses and saw that I had adorable baby boys instead, thankfully. I also recall one of them peeing while Dr. K was handing him to a nurse - right over my sterile field and open belly. Thank goodness pee is sterile, although I'm not sure if any of it actually landed inside of me.
They ended up suctioning more than five pounds of fluid from me while on the table. The nurses were quite shocked. I remember asking them if that was a lot and they all replied with a resounding yes.
I couldn't really hear what the staff was saying while I was in surgery, but I could hear them talking. I later found out that my blood pressure was really high. My doctor attributed it to me being nervous about surgery, but also commented on how calm I seemed. Somewhere along the line they also found that my uric acid levels were elevated. If you don't know where this is going, they found out I was pre-eclamptic while on the operating table.
I was wheeled into a recovery room and barely remember any of this part. Grandparents came to visit and later that evening I was sent to a postpartum room. It was HUGE! Much better than my tiny little shoebox of a room that I had when Evan was born. I guess they had sympathy on me for getting two babies at once. We definitely needed the space.
The nursing staff continued to check my blood pressure and it was almost never anywhere near a good level. Later that week after my levels never dropped, I was placed on some medicine to help stabilize it.
We came home that Friday morning and I am happy to report that at 7 or so weeks later, I feel great! The boys are growing and putting on weight, although they had a rocky start due to some breastfeeding/letdown issues. I am now almost exclusively pumping, but am unable to keep up with what they are consuming. They get all mommy's milk during the day and formula for two to three bottles at night.
I am SO glad I didn't have the twins as my first pregnancy, otherwise we probably would have stopped with them. It has been a much easier adjustment since we already knew what to expect (although not multiplied by two!) and we are settling into our new life with our wonderful family.
I had a c-section scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on July 6th. I had a pretty decent holiday weekend before that. Mom and dad came to the house and we grilled some brats, had strawberry shortcake and ice cream, etc. We live in a pretty pyromaniac-ish town, so fortunately every year some neighbors a few streets in front of our house have huge firework display battles. Each house tries to out-do their neighbors and it all ends up just as good as going to a city sponsored fireworks show - all from the comfort of our home and driveway. I was so miserable there was no way I could have gone anywhere, so this worked out great!
Monday morning rolled around and we had to be at the hospital an hour before my surgery time. Kevin had dropped Evan off at Nonna's (grandma) house the night before to make things easier on us. I slept surprisingly well and was actually quite relaxed when it came time to make the trip down the hall and into the operating room.
Kevin waited outside while the anesthesiologist did her thing and then was brought into the room so the surgery could begin. I have to say, in retrospect it was a weird experience. I'm not sure if the power of my mind did this, or if it was an effect of the drugs, but I was super calm and the whole day is quite foggy.
I remember Dr. K asking if I could feel anything and after answering no, she proceeded to make the incision. Fourteen minutes later Brennan Michael was born at 9:44 weighing 6 pounds and 6 ounces and measured 19.7 inches long. A minute later at 9:45 Carter Matthew entered this world and weighed in at 6 pounds and 1 ounce, measuring longer than his (slightly) older brother at an astounding 20.5 inches.
I very distinctly remember hearing their first squeals (no, they were not cries) and I remember saying that I must have given birth to little baby pigs. I peeked over to the nurses and saw that I had adorable baby boys instead, thankfully. I also recall one of them peeing while Dr. K was handing him to a nurse - right over my sterile field and open belly. Thank goodness pee is sterile, although I'm not sure if any of it actually landed inside of me.
They ended up suctioning more than five pounds of fluid from me while on the table. The nurses were quite shocked. I remember asking them if that was a lot and they all replied with a resounding yes.
I couldn't really hear what the staff was saying while I was in surgery, but I could hear them talking. I later found out that my blood pressure was really high. My doctor attributed it to me being nervous about surgery, but also commented on how calm I seemed. Somewhere along the line they also found that my uric acid levels were elevated. If you don't know where this is going, they found out I was pre-eclamptic while on the operating table.
I was wheeled into a recovery room and barely remember any of this part. Grandparents came to visit and later that evening I was sent to a postpartum room. It was HUGE! Much better than my tiny little shoebox of a room that I had when Evan was born. I guess they had sympathy on me for getting two babies at once. We definitely needed the space.
The nursing staff continued to check my blood pressure and it was almost never anywhere near a good level. Later that week after my levels never dropped, I was placed on some medicine to help stabilize it.
We came home that Friday morning and I am happy to report that at 7 or so weeks later, I feel great! The boys are growing and putting on weight, although they had a rocky start due to some breastfeeding/letdown issues. I am now almost exclusively pumping, but am unable to keep up with what they are consuming. They get all mommy's milk during the day and formula for two to three bottles at night.
I am SO glad I didn't have the twins as my first pregnancy, otherwise we probably would have stopped with them. It has been a much easier adjustment since we already knew what to expect (although not multiplied by two!) and we are settling into our new life with our wonderful family.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
My Poor Neglected Blog
Sorry, Mr. Blog. You have been severely neglected. Life is extremely busy with two new ones in the family. My mom is here for the rest of this week. She will leave for the weekend and go back home - she is taking Evan with her to see his PawPaw (and to give me a break). We kept him home from daycare on Tuesday so that he could be in some of our newborn pictures that we had scheduled. I won't be doing that anytime soon by myself OR with someone here. It was a mess all day. I definitely could NOT have handled it if Mom weren't here, and even then we were having a hard time.
I hope to post their birth story soon (when I have time - so look for that one in about two years). Sometime within my last week of pregnancy I had developed pre-e, so I am on blood pressure meds for the time being as well.
I promise, promise, promise I will try to update soon and with some pictures of the big day!
I hope to post their birth story soon (when I have time - so look for that one in about two years). Sometime within my last week of pregnancy I had developed pre-e, so I am on blood pressure meds for the time being as well.
I promise, promise, promise I will try to update soon and with some pictures of the big day!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Recent Happenings
Sorry (again)...I've been a crappy blogger lately. I have had a lot of nothingness going on that has kept me somewhat busy. If that makes sense.
Since I've last updated, I've had a few routine doctor appointments and two trips into Labor & Delivery. Both times the contractions were close but were eventually stopped/slowed since I was not dilating any further.
Currently, I am 1.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. My gut tells me these kiddos are going to hang on until the bitter end. July 6th can't get here soon enough! I think I've come to terms with having a c-section. I'm definitely not excited about it, but I know it is the best decision for my little guys. I'd hate if anything were to happen to them because I was stubborn. Dr. K is still willing to give it a try if that's what I really want, but the slight risk of it all doesn't sit well with me.
My weekly biophysicals have been going really well. They pass so easily, which makes me happy since the odds are that they will be just fine when they are born.
I want to take a quick second to say congrats to my online twin sister, Lindsay. She recently gave birth to her boy/girl duo and I can't wait to see pictures of them! I think we've become pretty close in the past few months even though we are literally states apart. We have so much in common that it's almost unbelievable. Congrats again, Lindsay!
In other news, there is a grandparent war going on in our household. Each week we get asked by Kevin's parents and my parents if they can watch Evan for the weekend. We finally put our foot down and kept him last week - considering it was Father's Day weekend and all! Anyway, both sides are sprouting some serious jealousy issues over who gets to see him more. LOL Every time I talk to my dad on the phone he has to "double-check" and ask/make sure who is actually watching Evan when we will be in the hospital with the twins.
Dad, please stop asking...it still hasn't changed. Sorry, you live an hour away and not in the direction of the hospital, not to mention you would have to take four days off of work (even though I'm sure you wouldn't mind). Kevin's parents are only 20 minutes away and the live right along the way to the hospital...and can take off from work at the drop of a hat. I regret to inform you that you will never win this one - but you are more than welcome to come and spend a few days here with mom while she is off work and helping us get adjusted to our new family/lifestyle. I'm sure Evan would love coming home from school to see his PawPaw sitting on his couch!
Since I've last updated, I've had a few routine doctor appointments and two trips into Labor & Delivery. Both times the contractions were close but were eventually stopped/slowed since I was not dilating any further.
Currently, I am 1.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. My gut tells me these kiddos are going to hang on until the bitter end. July 6th can't get here soon enough! I think I've come to terms with having a c-section. I'm definitely not excited about it, but I know it is the best decision for my little guys. I'd hate if anything were to happen to them because I was stubborn. Dr. K is still willing to give it a try if that's what I really want, but the slight risk of it all doesn't sit well with me.
My weekly biophysicals have been going really well. They pass so easily, which makes me happy since the odds are that they will be just fine when they are born.
I want to take a quick second to say congrats to my online twin sister, Lindsay. She recently gave birth to her boy/girl duo and I can't wait to see pictures of them! I think we've become pretty close in the past few months even though we are literally states apart. We have so much in common that it's almost unbelievable. Congrats again, Lindsay!
In other news, there is a grandparent war going on in our household. Each week we get asked by Kevin's parents and my parents if they can watch Evan for the weekend. We finally put our foot down and kept him last week - considering it was Father's Day weekend and all! Anyway, both sides are sprouting some serious jealousy issues over who gets to see him more. LOL Every time I talk to my dad on the phone he has to "double-check" and ask/make sure who is actually watching Evan when we will be in the hospital with the twins.
Dad, please stop asking...it still hasn't changed. Sorry, you live an hour away and not in the direction of the hospital, not to mention you would have to take four days off of work (even though I'm sure you wouldn't mind). Kevin's parents are only 20 minutes away and the live right along the way to the hospital...and can take off from work at the drop of a hat. I regret to inform you that you will never win this one - but you are more than welcome to come and spend a few days here with mom while she is off work and helping us get adjusted to our new family/lifestyle. I'm sure Evan would love coming home from school to see his PawPaw sitting on his couch!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Make Up Your Mind Already!
Dr. K is out of town this week on vacation with her family. I thought I had an appointment today with one of her associates, Dr. L. I was wrong...the appointment is really tomorrow, but the receptionist took one look at my massive belly and asked another associate if he could see me this morning so I wouldn't have to make another trip in. Dr. J was nice enough to oblige - I really like him and remembered seeing him once in L&D when I was pregnant with Evan.
Everything looks great still. I've been having TONS of pain when I walk, get up, roll over, etc. As it turns out, the pubic bone is actually two bones and at this point when baby is head down and entering the pelvis, these bones begin to separate and move with the associating hip joint. I somewhat remember experiencing these pains with Evan, but never this bad.
Not only are there two babies in there (more weight), but it turns out that our "active" baby B has still not made up his mind. For now, he has decided to take a liking to the head down position like his brother. Yeah, that's two heads pressing down into my pelvis now - super fun!
Dr. J did an internal exam on me just to double check the pain I was feeling and followed with some words that made me excited and annoyed at the same time. "There's no change in your cervix." Hmm, don't get me wrong, I am really happy with the fact that the odds are holding strong of these boys staying in there for a while longer and I will have healthy, big, and happy babies. But, really...all this pain and no change?
Dr. J had some great words of wisdom to end the appointment with: "You are important to us, but let's be honest, those babies are what are really matters at this point!". Keep hanging in there babies, mom's pain is not in vain and it will all be worth it!
Everything looks great still. I've been having TONS of pain when I walk, get up, roll over, etc. As it turns out, the pubic bone is actually two bones and at this point when baby is head down and entering the pelvis, these bones begin to separate and move with the associating hip joint. I somewhat remember experiencing these pains with Evan, but never this bad.
Not only are there two babies in there (more weight), but it turns out that our "active" baby B has still not made up his mind. For now, he has decided to take a liking to the head down position like his brother. Yeah, that's two heads pressing down into my pelvis now - super fun!
Dr. J did an internal exam on me just to double check the pain I was feeling and followed with some words that made me excited and annoyed at the same time. "There's no change in your cervix." Hmm, don't get me wrong, I am really happy with the fact that the odds are holding strong of these boys staying in there for a while longer and I will have healthy, big, and happy babies. But, really...all this pain and no change?
Dr. J had some great words of wisdom to end the appointment with: "You are important to us, but let's be honest, those babies are what are really matters at this point!". Keep hanging in there babies, mom's pain is not in vain and it will all be worth it!
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