Friday, June 23, 2006
Finally...
Okay, so the babies are in bed for the night, the dishes are done and the house is picked up a little so I thought I'd finally take the time to write!
Ada and Emmet turned 3 months old on Tuesday and I cannot believe how fast time flies! The last day of school was on the 9th, so I've been home and Roger was able to return to work full time. I've enjoyed being home again, although it's been a harder transition than I had imagined. As much fun as this is, this is the hardest work I've ever done and I'm still tired pretty much all the time and I look forward to Roger coming home in the evening to help out and give me a break if I'm needing it.
We're working on getting the babies on some sort of schedule and they are adapting very well. Bedtime is AROUND 7pm. They will typically sleep until anywhere between 1:30-2:30am, when they get up to eat. And then up again between 5:30-6:30am. They take a little cat nap an hour after getting up and then go down for a "real" (in the crib) nap between 9am-10am. They typically wake up around 12pm take a little cat nap after playing and then back down for a nap around 3pm. Of course feedings are in there too. Every day is a little different but I'm getting better at reading their cues, which means less crying/fussing and happier babies.
I recently went to visit a coworker who has a 4 week old baby and it hit me just how much Ada and Emmet have changed. There were so many little things that her baby was doing that Ada and Emmet USED to do. It's a bit sad and yet exciting at the same time to see my babies grow and learn new skills so fast. They are smiling so much now and the "talking" (especially from Ada) is so entertaining. Ada loves to sit and have conversations with just about anybody. The "talking" includes coos, gurgles, squeals and oohs and aahs. Emmet doesn't talk as much as Ada but he sure moves around more than she does. His body is almost always moving. His neck isn't quite as strong as Ada's (she's holding her head up now) and he still is pretty wobbly but that doesn't stop him from trying to look around at EVERYTHING. This tends to result in a lot of "headbutts" and is quite amusing! He loves to kick his legs and move his arms and he has been trying his hardest to roll over! What's so interesting about having twins is the comparisons that go on. They seem to be showing boy and girl traits already. Although, it may just be me reading into their characteristics too much but really Emmet loves to "rough house" with Daddy and Ada prefers to have long conversations!
One of the best new developments as of late is the happy faces looking at me when I go to get them out of the crib in the morning! The screaming has turned into smiles, gurgles and wiggly bodies! The crazy evening fussiness is diminishing and Roger and I have been able to spend some time alone together in the evenings after bedtime. The next step is to move them out of our room and upstairs into their own room. We're planning for end of July for this so that we have some time to smooth out the wrinkles before I go back to work at the end of August. I am of course experiencing some anxiety about having them all the way upstairs (our bedroom is downstairs) but I'll manage!
All in all we are coming out of the fog somewhat, feeling like normal human beings a little bit and gaining confidence in our abilities to make this work. I still have the daily shock of "I'm a mother" and "I have TWINS". It's a wonderful mix of emotions...there are times when I feel very overwhelmed and exhausted and then there are the times when Emmet snuggles so close to me or Ada gives me an extra big smile and I'm so overcome with love that it brings tears to my eyes and literally takes my breath away.
Ada and Emmet turned 3 months old on Tuesday and I cannot believe how fast time flies! The last day of school was on the 9th, so I've been home and Roger was able to return to work full time. I've enjoyed being home again, although it's been a harder transition than I had imagined. As much fun as this is, this is the hardest work I've ever done and I'm still tired pretty much all the time and I look forward to Roger coming home in the evening to help out and give me a break if I'm needing it.
We're working on getting the babies on some sort of schedule and they are adapting very well. Bedtime is AROUND 7pm. They will typically sleep until anywhere between 1:30-2:30am, when they get up to eat. And then up again between 5:30-6:30am. They take a little cat nap an hour after getting up and then go down for a "real" (in the crib) nap between 9am-10am. They typically wake up around 12pm take a little cat nap after playing and then back down for a nap around 3pm. Of course feedings are in there too. Every day is a little different but I'm getting better at reading their cues, which means less crying/fussing and happier babies.
I recently went to visit a coworker who has a 4 week old baby and it hit me just how much Ada and Emmet have changed. There were so many little things that her baby was doing that Ada and Emmet USED to do. It's a bit sad and yet exciting at the same time to see my babies grow and learn new skills so fast. They are smiling so much now and the "talking" (especially from Ada) is so entertaining. Ada loves to sit and have conversations with just about anybody. The "talking" includes coos, gurgles, squeals and oohs and aahs. Emmet doesn't talk as much as Ada but he sure moves around more than she does. His body is almost always moving. His neck isn't quite as strong as Ada's (she's holding her head up now) and he still is pretty wobbly but that doesn't stop him from trying to look around at EVERYTHING. This tends to result in a lot of "headbutts" and is quite amusing! He loves to kick his legs and move his arms and he has been trying his hardest to roll over! What's so interesting about having twins is the comparisons that go on. They seem to be showing boy and girl traits already. Although, it may just be me reading into their characteristics too much but really Emmet loves to "rough house" with Daddy and Ada prefers to have long conversations!
One of the best new developments as of late is the happy faces looking at me when I go to get them out of the crib in the morning! The screaming has turned into smiles, gurgles and wiggly bodies! The crazy evening fussiness is diminishing and Roger and I have been able to spend some time alone together in the evenings after bedtime. The next step is to move them out of our room and upstairs into their own room. We're planning for end of July for this so that we have some time to smooth out the wrinkles before I go back to work at the end of August. I am of course experiencing some anxiety about having them all the way upstairs (our bedroom is downstairs) but I'll manage!
All in all we are coming out of the fog somewhat, feeling like normal human beings a little bit and gaining confidence in our abilities to make this work. I still have the daily shock of "I'm a mother" and "I have TWINS". It's a wonderful mix of emotions...there are times when I feel very overwhelmed and exhausted and then there are the times when Emmet snuggles so close to me or Ada gives me an extra big smile and I'm so overcome with love that it brings tears to my eyes and literally takes my breath away.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Catching Up
Okay so I had intended to post a long update tonight but alas I'm exhausted, it's late and I spent all my time posting pictures. I promise to write soon...there is so much to say! In a nutshell the babies are doing so well! They are getting amazingly big and change every day right before our very eyes. I will try to post soon!
Doin' Laundry
Ada had a great time helping Daddy bring the laundry downstairs to be folded! She got a total kick out of 1. sitting up and 2. being in this strange basket! 
Emmet's new trick
Emmet has a new trick. He now LOVES to suck on his hands, thumbs and fingers. It's been quite entertaining watching him learn this. He tries and tries and tries (periodically going cross eyed) to bring his hand to his mouth. He hits his eye, his nose, his chin and then FINALLY, with a squeal of delight he gets his hand into his mouth!
Happy Father's Day
Happy Father's Day Daddy! We had such a nice day with Daddy, Grandpa, Nana Julie and uncle Greg. The babies were in top notch form and we forgot to take a picture until after bath time/bed time. 
Here is a happy Daddy and his sleepy babies!
Here is a happy Daddy and his sleepy babies!
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
2 - Month Photo
Here are my adorable munchkins. I was hoping to get a picture of them together and awake HOWEVER, it seems that either they are not awake at the same time or when they are awake they are grumpalumpas (mommybonics for crabby and fussy) and SO not in the mood for taking pictures. The oh so cute shirts are from my dear friend Erin - we love them!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Quick Update
We all survived mom's first week back at work. It was so hard to leave them last Monday morning but I knew they were in safe hands with Daddy and Nana was coming over to help out too! Being back at work has offered me some much needed "adult time", however I would SO much rather be at home with Ada and Emmet. Roger has been doing such a nice job - I'm so impressed! Only 12 more days and I will be home for the summer...I can't wait!
In other news the babies had their 2 month check-up last Friday. Ada now weighs 10 lbs 11 oz and is 21 1/8 inches long. Emmet weighs 9 lbs 14 oz and is 21 3/4 inches long. The pediatrician would like Ada to see a neurosurgeon to look at her hematoma sight. It is possible that she would need surgery to scrape out the calcified blood - UGH! The pediatridcian would like Emmet to see and ENT - he is still so congested and one side of his nose appears to be blocked. Poor little guy. Emmet had his first EKG when the doc noticed that his heartrate was unusualy high - but all is well.
Okay babies crying - time to feed.
In other news the babies had their 2 month check-up last Friday. Ada now weighs 10 lbs 11 oz and is 21 1/8 inches long. Emmet weighs 9 lbs 14 oz and is 21 3/4 inches long. The pediatrician would like Ada to see a neurosurgeon to look at her hematoma sight. It is possible that she would need surgery to scrape out the calcified blood - UGH! The pediatridcian would like Emmet to see and ENT - he is still so congested and one side of his nose appears to be blocked. Poor little guy. Emmet had his first EKG when the doc noticed that his heartrate was unusualy high - but all is well.
Okay babies crying - time to feed.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Ada and bath time
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Emmet and his lion
Emmet has a new love...his wild yellow lion. Typically he screams while he waits on the bed to be fed, while I change Ada. Today when I put the lion by him he could not take his eyes off of it and was so peaceful! This is the same lion that he grabbed a hold of last night and was moving it around! So sweet!
Thank God!
After a grueling past 2 weeks full of fussiness, inconsolable screaming, and seriously doubting we will survive this we had a good evening yesterday. Actually the whole day was good. The babies and I went for a morning walk instead of our usual afternoon walk because it was supposed to rain. Nana came over and helped with a bottle feeding (to give my nipples a rest...still so sore!) and then we put them down for a nap. They actually both slept in the crib until their next feeding, which was amazing! The evening was spectacular! Both Ada and Emmet were smiley and wanting to play! They both enjoyed batting at the hanging animals from the play mat and Emmet even got a hold of his yellow lion and was waving it around. I cannot believe how quickly things change. Just last week they were barely holding eye gazing at the objects and now they are hitting and grasping them! After their exercise they went down around 8pm woke up to eat at 10:30pm and again at 2:15am and then they woke up an hour earlier than normal at 5am but it worked out okay.
All of this of course makes my return to work that much less desirable. I am feeling particularly sad about it today...wishing we could afford for me to stay home! Can't someone give us a few million dollars???
Okay, babies are waking from their nap. Hopefully this evening will go as smooth as yesterday!
All of this of course makes my return to work that much less desirable. I am feeling particularly sad about it today...wishing we could afford for me to stay home! Can't someone give us a few million dollars???
Okay, babies are waking from their nap. Hopefully this evening will go as smooth as yesterday!
Friday, May 05, 2006
Jeans
Fussy, fussy, fussy!
I don't have much time to post...the babies have been incredibly fussy this week and eating every 2 hours...growth spurt??? We started tandem breast feeding last week and are slowly getting the hang of it. It's quite an ordial leading up to up though - both babies screaming, me running around trying to get everything ready (my special pillow, a million other pillows to prop myself up, Ada's nipple shield in warm water etc). My nipples feel like they are going to fall off - so incredibly sore as it's hard to get them positioned well and they have been eating a lot more lately! It's been a hard week but I keep telling myself it won't always be this way. They are getting so big and starting to enjoy things that they didn't respond to before - mom and dad's faces, the play gym, the sunshine on their faces. It's so amazing to watch them change right before our very eyes! I have one more week before I return to work - I'm feeling really sad about having to leave them when they will only be 8 weeks old - the guilt sets in! Good thing they will be with Daddy and Nana...in good hands!
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Great Grandma Arenz and the babes!
We had a nice visit today from Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Arenz. Emmet was quite the sleepy head (as usual) and Ada was wide awake for part of the visit and even had her legs and arms movin' around for Great Grandma. I didn't get a picture with Great Grandpa but I will eventually! Thanks for coming G Gma and G Gpa!
Bittersweet
We had a doctor appointment today for both Ada and Emmet because mommy is paranoid. Ada had been extra fussy lately and appeared to be pulling at her ears and had a couple of days when she just wanted to be held all day. She also has developed a new cry which I haven't figured out yet but it sounds like "mommy hold me something doesn't feel good". Emmet seems to be so congested at times, keeps spitting up a lot of his food and hasn't been eating as much as he used to. He also seems to be extra sleepy lately - when he's not doing his "drama cry", which entails the ever so pleasant silent scream and blue face. They are both fine, no temperatures, ears look good, lungs sounds good. The doctor said their bellies feel a little gassy but that's normal. She suggested that we try Ada on soy formula to see if that helps with the fussiness/gas. She also mentioned that she will keep a close eye on her head. Ada had an enormous hematoma after birth, which has since gone down dramatically but her head is still uneven. Apparently blood from the hematoma can "calcify" and can require surgery to scrape it off. Something to think about, nothing necessary and not urgent by any means. Anyway - the big news is their weight. Ada is now 8 lbs, 5 oz and Emmet is 7 lbs 14 oz. This is wonderful news of course but I am feeling sad as well. I was looking at pictures from the hospital and when we brought them home and I just cannot believe how big they've gotten, how much they've changed and it became all too clear to me that although the days are long the weeks and months are incredibly short. They are no longer wearing preemie clothes and are quickly outgrowing the Newborn diapers. As much as I look forward to the next new development and the next stage I'm already missing my 5 lb peanuts that I brought home just 5 short (and yet extremely long) weeks ago.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Ah, fresh air and a change of scenery!
Our first hike! Today we went to Cam Rock County Park for a hike. The weather was a little breezy but beautiful! We tested out our Baby Bjorns...Ada fits much better but Emmet will grow into it eventually! Matdie was happy to get out of the house too. I was again reminded how very out of shape I am as this short hike was about all that I could handle! I'll get back to my old self some day! I had the fabulous idea of bottle feeding the babies on a bench over looking a beautiful view, listening to the birds etc...the breeze was quite chilly and it ended up not being such a great idea after all. It was nice while it lasted though! In the pictures Roger has Ada and I have Emmet.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
The best
This picture of Emmet and I sums up the best part about being a mommy. I cannot put into words the way my heart melts when Emmet and Ada snuggle up on my chest and fall asleep so soundly with a big sigh. It's amazing!
A visit from Great Grandma!
We had such a special visit with Great Grandma yesterday. The babies were such charmers for her! Ada must have put on a zillion little precious smiles for her Great Grandma and Emmet just looked longingly into her eyes. They both loved listening to her talk and of course snuggling. I believe they both even christened her with her first great grandchildren spit-up! We can't wait to see her again!
Monday, April 17, 2006
Happy 1 month birthday!
HAPPY 1 MONTH BIRTHDAY TO US!!!!!
I cannot believe it's been one month already! They've gotten so big already and are beginning to be much more alert between feedings, which is so much fun. Their little personalities are shining through too...they are definitely different! It's so much fun to watch them change and grow. We are finally able to start putting them in non-premie clothes. They are still a little big but it's exciting that they don't fall off of their tiny bodies anymore! There are the things that haven't changed too - lack of sleep, screaming fits, non stop laundry and a disgustingly large production of garbage! This routine (if you can call it that) has gotten much less intimidating and seems easier somehow. Roger and I are starting to get the hang of it...still missing our sleep though - that one is hard to get used to. We can't wait to see what the next month will bring!
We had a great weekend. Great Aunt Barb came for a visit on Saturday, along with Nana and Pops. They were spoiled rotten by all and even received Easter baskets from Nana. On Sunday we all went to grandpas for Easter. The kids loved being held all day and again were spoiled rotten and received Easter baskets from Kirby and Anna!
Time for mom to get some breakfast before the babies wake up to eat again!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Day by day
It's the little achievements that count. So, I managed to feed both babies, eat breakfast and shower today all before 11:00am. What an accomplishment! We also went to the pet store to pick up dog food and a new chain for Matdie. I managed to push the stroller and pull the cart with the 40 lb bag of dog food and other items all by myself. I thought I would have to ask for help - but I didn't! Now I'm exhausted and waiting for the munchkins to wake up for their next feeding...really wanting to take a nap.
Oh! A funny story. Yesterday I had both Ada and Emmet in the bouncy seat as usual, although they were squirmy and not fitting as nicely in there together as usual. I heard Emmet do his infamous squeal/scream and I look over to see Ada latched onto his nose and sucking away. I could do nothing to remedy the situation as I was trying to keep from peeing my pants from laughing so hard and poor Emmet, all he could do was squeal! Hysterical
Time to get ready for a feeding...let the screaming begin!
Oh! A funny story. Yesterday I had both Ada and Emmet in the bouncy seat as usual, although they were squirmy and not fitting as nicely in there together as usual. I heard Emmet do his infamous squeal/scream and I look over to see Ada latched onto his nose and sucking away. I could do nothing to remedy the situation as I was trying to keep from peeing my pants from laughing so hard and poor Emmet, all he could do was squeal! Hysterical
Time to get ready for a feeding...let the screaming begin!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Outing
I'm literally falling asleep while working on the computer...Roger keeps having to wake me up but I wanted to post tonight....
It was quite the day today! Mommy and the babies had their first outing. I managed to go to the grocery store today with both babies in tow - all by myself! Okay, so the dog came with us too. I have been going on walks almost every day but going to the grocery store is a whole other adventure all together! I was so proud of myself for 1) attempting and 2) successfully accomplishing the task!
Time for bed - ha ha ha!!! The babies will be up to eat in an hour...time flies when you're having fun!
It was quite the day today! Mommy and the babies had their first outing. I managed to go to the grocery store today with both babies in tow - all by myself! Okay, so the dog came with us too. I have been going on walks almost every day but going to the grocery store is a whole other adventure all together! I was so proud of myself for 1) attempting and 2) successfully accomplishing the task!
Time for bed - ha ha ha!!! The babies will be up to eat in an hour...time flies when you're having fun!
Walk with Nana
Happy Birthday to Nana!
We had such a good day with Nana today. We went for a walk in the beautiful weather and had bath time...pictures to post later. We're so lucky to have such a great Nana!
Family Photo
Against my better judgement I decided to post some pictures that include me - larger than life...quite literally! I still don't look like myself but that really is the last thing on my mind these days. I look about as exhausted as I feel! Here we are - the Marcin family! Daddy has Ada and Mommy had sleepy head Emmet.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
I have a moment (I think) before the babies wake up to eat so I thought I would try to post a quick update and some pictures. Aren't they adorable? It's a good thing there are moments like shown in the pictures - otherwise the 3am, hour long screaming fit from both would put us over the edge for sure!
On Monday the babies will be 3 weeks old! We cannot believe it, of course it seems like we brought them home a year ago! This scares me as this means that I have to go back to work in 5 weeks and I know that will go by so fast! I'm not ready to leave these two! At our last pediatrician appointment Ada was weighing in at 5 lbs 15 oz and Emmet weighed in at 5 lbs 13 oz. We couldn't be happier - they are growing and gaining...that must mean we're doing something right?!?!?
We're trying to figure this all out. We're exhausted and take turns trying to keep eachother awake in the middle of the night...and during the day too! The babies are eating about every 2-3 hours. Latching for breastfeeding is not working too well at the moment and causes lots of screaming and crying from babies and mom too. I'm assured to keep at it - that they are so little, not even supposed to be born yet and they will catch on. Some days I'm not so sure...bottle feeding is so much easier at the moment. I'm pumping and we supplement with formula when we need to. For now we'll keep working at it...I'm dreaming of the days with easy latch ons and quick feedings!
As for me, my incision is healing very nicely and I'm feeling much more human and normal being off the pain meds. I have been dealing with a nasty urinary tract infection that doesn't seem to want to go away, I'm starting my second round of antibiotics today. I am able to recognize my feet now and put them in my shoes without pain! I still can't fit my rings on my fingers but expect to soon! I've lost 33 pounds so far - half way there although I expect the rest will be a little more difficult to get rid of...UGH!
Will try to post again soon - TRY being the key word here!
Thank you all for the support, cards, flowers and prayers!
On Monday the babies will be 3 weeks old! We cannot believe it, of course it seems like we brought them home a year ago! This scares me as this means that I have to go back to work in 5 weeks and I know that will go by so fast! I'm not ready to leave these two! At our last pediatrician appointment Ada was weighing in at 5 lbs 15 oz and Emmet weighed in at 5 lbs 13 oz. We couldn't be happier - they are growing and gaining...that must mean we're doing something right?!?!?
We're trying to figure this all out. We're exhausted and take turns trying to keep eachother awake in the middle of the night...and during the day too! The babies are eating about every 2-3 hours. Latching for breastfeeding is not working too well at the moment and causes lots of screaming and crying from babies and mom too. I'm assured to keep at it - that they are so little, not even supposed to be born yet and they will catch on. Some days I'm not so sure...bottle feeding is so much easier at the moment. I'm pumping and we supplement with formula when we need to. For now we'll keep working at it...I'm dreaming of the days with easy latch ons and quick feedings!
As for me, my incision is healing very nicely and I'm feeling much more human and normal being off the pain meds. I have been dealing with a nasty urinary tract infection that doesn't seem to want to go away, I'm starting my second round of antibiotics today. I am able to recognize my feet now and put them in my shoes without pain! I still can't fit my rings on my fingers but expect to soon! I've lost 33 pounds so far - half way there although I expect the rest will be a little more difficult to get rid of...UGH!
Will try to post again soon - TRY being the key word here!
Thank you all for the support, cards, flowers and prayers!
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