Sunday, October 24, 2010
Pumpkin Patch
This past weekend we went to the Pumpkin Patch with grandpa, grandma, Auntie Erica, Uncle Bob, and cousin Dylan. We had a blast! Next year, we will REALLY have our hands FULL! Here are a few pictures from our little adventure. Daddy picked out the Carhartt's and "Aunt" Lorie C. made the adorable pumpkin hats. Thanks "Aunt" Lorie, the kids loved their hats and they kept them nice and warm. Enjoy!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Finally.....
I know it's been a while since I posted, I apologize. Between work, the girls, and keeping up the house, I NEVER seem to have time to do anything I want to do. At any rate, I have a quick minute this morning (the girls are napping) before we head out with my parents for a little boating and BBQing and wanted to share a picture. I am very excited to say my palsy is finally starting to heal!!! Slowly I am regaining function of my face. I honestly can't put into words how excited I am or how hard the last three months have been. As many of you know, I didn't allow anyone to take pictures of me for nearly the first three and a half months the girls were born, but last weekend at church I decided I was finally ready to take a family picture. I feel blessed that I am starting to heal and even more blessed that I finally have a family photo to share. Its not perfect, but it will do!!
(Steve is holding Sydney and I'm holding Morgan)
(Steve is holding Sydney and I'm holding Morgan)Saturday, May 29, 2010
2 Months
Wednesday, May 5th was your two month checkup. Wow, have time is flying by!! Here's what's new....
Sydney
Head:
Height:
Weight: 8lbs 3oz, 2%
Your development continues to be right on track. You started smiling more socially and you are holding your head up a little better. The doctor was a little concerned that you are not gaining weight quite as fast as they would like to see. He asked mommy to start putting a teaspoon of formula in your bottles of breastmilk. This will give you a few extra calories and hopefully help you start gaining weight a little faster. Today your vaccinations included two shots (one in each leg) and a to drink that you didn't seem to mind at all. The doctor is going to have you come back in a couple of weeks to have a weight check to see if the formula is helping you gain weight any faster. Here are a few highlights from month two....
Morgan
Head:
Height:
Weight: 9lbs 9oz
The doctor gave you a glowing review! You are a healthy, growing, and meeting all of your developmental milestones. You did get a bit of a cold, but that is to be expected because all of the adults around you were sick (daddy, Auntie Erica, grandpa, and grandma). It didn't last long and you still slept like a champion! You also got 2 shots in your leg and the nurse was quite impressed when you sucked down the 3rd vaccination (the drink) in a matter of seconds! Here are a few highlights from month two....
Sydney
Head:
Height:
Weight: 8lbs 3oz, 2%
Your development continues to be right on track. You started smiling more socially and you are holding your head up a little better. The doctor was a little concerned that you are not gaining weight quite as fast as they would like to see. He asked mommy to start putting a teaspoon of formula in your bottles of breastmilk. This will give you a few extra calories and hopefully help you start gaining weight a little faster. Today your vaccinations included two shots (one in each leg) and a to drink that you didn't seem to mind at all. The doctor is going to have you come back in a couple of weeks to have a weight check to see if the formula is helping you gain weight any faster. Here are a few highlights from month two....
- Wearing newborn size diaper
- Wearing newborn size clothes (grandma tried 0-3 months, but you were SWIMMING in them)
- You are smiling socially.
- You are starting to make cooing noises.
- You are sleeping from about 10pm until 5am!! (mommy and daddy are VERY happy about this)
- You have found your hands and love to suck on your fingers.
- Grandpa Dan calls you the ceiling inspector because you have a real fascination with the ceiling!
- You love to mimic sissy's crying but you don't quite have the lungs she does. Your cry is quite cute.
- Drum roll please....you rolled over for the first time on Sunday, May 9th (2 months old)!
Morgan
Head:
Height:
Weight: 9lbs 9oz
The doctor gave you a glowing review! You are a healthy, growing, and meeting all of your developmental milestones. You did get a bit of a cold, but that is to be expected because all of the adults around you were sick (daddy, Auntie Erica, grandpa, and grandma). It didn't last long and you still slept like a champion! You also got 2 shots in your leg and the nurse was quite impressed when you sucked down the 3rd vaccination (the drink) in a matter of seconds! Here are a few highlights from month two....
- Wearing size 1 diapers.
- Wearing newborn and a few 0-3 month clothes.
- You are smiling socially.
- You make very cute cooing noises.
- You have definitely found your hands and you love to chew on them!
- You have a little bit of a temper - if you are mad or hungry, you let it be known!
- You do not like tummy time!
- You are drinking 4-5 oz every 4-5 hours.
- You are have some real stinky gas and can actually clear a room (daddy thinks it is quite impressive)!
- You are sleeping from 10pm until 5am (mommy and daddy think you would sleep even longer but sissy wakes up and needs to eat)!!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A Few Firsts...
I thought I would share a few "firsts" from the last few weeks.
The weather was beautiful a few Sundays ago, so Grandma, Auntie Erica, and I decided to take the girls on their first walk. Notice Morgan in the front carrier (thank you April and Grey). Frustrating story...Steve and I purchased a brand new stroller from Baby Jogger that was just released at the beginning of this year and unfortunately, we have only received ONE seat. Makes the stroller a little useless with twins. (Don't worry, mommy has been on the phone constantly with the customer service rep!)
The girls' first trip to Grandpa's new office. It's beautiful! They should be moved in by the end of May. I'm sure the girls will get LOTS of playtime there in the future!
On April 17th, we celebrated Erica's birthday and attended her shower for baby Dylan (due June 20th). Lots of friends and family got to meet the girls for the first time! Doesn't Auntie Erica look beautiful!!
Yesterday, we took the girls on their first road trip to Seattle for mommy's doctors appointment. Grandpa rented a minivan, so that we would all fit. The girls did so well, they never cried while we were in the car (unless we were at a stoplight), and they completed one whole feeding in their carseats without fussing. We were so proud of them!
Grandpa and daddy got a little bored while mommy was at her 4 hour doctor appointment. While Grandma and mommy were finishing up with the doctor, daddy sent us a picture to let us know the girls had their first trip to get some "chicken wings." Needless to say, I'm sure Grandpa and daddy were a huge hit at the restaurant, as twin baby girls can definitely attract female attention!!
The weather was beautiful a few Sundays ago, so Grandma, Auntie Erica, and I decided to take the girls on their first walk. Notice Morgan in the front carrier (thank you April and Grey). Frustrating story...Steve and I purchased a brand new stroller from Baby Jogger that was just released at the beginning of this year and unfortunately, we have only received ONE seat. Makes the stroller a little useless with twins. (Don't worry, mommy has been on the phone constantly with the customer service rep!)
The girls' first trip to Grandpa's new office. It's beautiful! They should be moved in by the end of May. I'm sure the girls will get LOTS of playtime there in the future!
On April 17th, we celebrated Erica's birthday and attended her shower for baby Dylan (due June 20th). Lots of friends and family got to meet the girls for the first time! Doesn't Auntie Erica look beautiful!!
Yesterday, we took the girls on their first road trip to Seattle for mommy's doctors appointment. Grandpa rented a minivan, so that we would all fit. The girls did so well, they never cried while we were in the car (unless we were at a stoplight), and they completed one whole feeding in their carseats without fussing. We were so proud of them!
Grandpa and daddy got a little bored while mommy was at her 4 hour doctor appointment. While Grandma and mommy were finishing up with the doctor, daddy sent us a picture to let us know the girls had their first trip to get some "chicken wings." Needless to say, I'm sure Grandpa and daddy were a huge hit at the restaurant, as twin baby girls can definitely attract female attention!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Photo Session with Doreen
At my baby shower, I received a wonderful gift from one of my mom's dearest friends, Nikki. It was a photo session with her friend, Doreen. I must say, the pictures are fabulous! Below is a link to the gallery which is open until May 3rd. Enjoy!
Dear "Grandma" Nikki,
We just wanted to send you a special thank you. The pictures Doreen took make us look like baby models and we love them. We also know our mommy will cherish these pictures forever. Thanks for the wonderful gift, we love you!!
http://www.doreenbeers-michel.com/Buschbach/index.html
Dear "Grandma" Nikki,
We just wanted to send you a special thank you. The pictures Doreen took make us look like baby models and we love them. We also know our mommy will cherish these pictures forever. Thanks for the wonderful gift, we love you!!
http://www.doreenbeers-michel.com/Buschbach/index.html
Saturday, April 10, 2010
One Month Checkup
Thursday, April 8th was your one month checkup with the pediatrician. Your last appointment was March 8th (7 days old). Here are the highlights...
Morgan
Head: 36 1/2 cm, 25% - up from 34 cm, 10-25%
Height: 20 1/2 inches, 17% - up from 18 1/2 inches, < 10%
Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz, 15% - up from 5 lbs 8 oz, < 5%
The doctor assessed your tummy issues and decided to try you on a 3 week trial of Prevacid. He said that your episodes, crying after eating, are likely caused by reflux or you may have colic. He said that if it is reflux, we should notice a marked decrease in your episodes over the next three weeks. If we don't notice a change, it's likely colic and will just need to let it run its course. We picked up the prescription for the Prevacid and surprisingly, you love it and suck it right down!! (It smells like bubble gum...I wonder if it tastes like bubble gum??) You had to get your second Hepatitis B shot in your thigh and you did not like it. You cried and it made mommy very sad. Other than the tummy issues, he said you are very healthy and he couldn't be happier with your growth and development!
Sydney
Head: 35 cm, 4% - up from 31 1/2 cm, 1%
Height: 19 3/4 inches, 4 % - up from 18 inches, 1%
Weight: 7 lbs 4 oz, 4% - up from 5 lbs 0 oz, 1%
The doctor said your growth and development was right on track. He was a little concerned because your skin tone still has a yellow tinge to it, which can be a sign of jaundice. He decided to do a blood test to make sure your Billirubin levels were not too high. (We got the results the next day and they were slightly elevated. The doctor said not to worry, the level is continuing to drop from when you were in the hospital, which is just what they want to see.) You also had to have your second Hepatitis B shot. For the first time mommy heard you cry (you never cry) and you even held your breath for a few second. It was very hard for mommy to watch. I can't believe you had to be poked twice in one day, mommy is very sorry!
Here are a few pictures from your visit to the pediatrician....
Waiting in the lobby. (Mommy loved your cute outfits that day)
Morgan on the scale.
Sydney on the scale.
Morgan
Head: 36 1/2 cm, 25% - up from 34 cm, 10-25%
Height: 20 1/2 inches, 17% - up from 18 1/2 inches, < 10%
Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz, 15% - up from 5 lbs 8 oz, < 5%
The doctor assessed your tummy issues and decided to try you on a 3 week trial of Prevacid. He said that your episodes, crying after eating, are likely caused by reflux or you may have colic. He said that if it is reflux, we should notice a marked decrease in your episodes over the next three weeks. If we don't notice a change, it's likely colic and will just need to let it run its course. We picked up the prescription for the Prevacid and surprisingly, you love it and suck it right down!! (It smells like bubble gum...I wonder if it tastes like bubble gum??) You had to get your second Hepatitis B shot in your thigh and you did not like it. You cried and it made mommy very sad. Other than the tummy issues, he said you are very healthy and he couldn't be happier with your growth and development!
Sydney
Head: 35 cm, 4% - up from 31 1/2 cm, 1%
Height: 19 3/4 inches, 4 % - up from 18 inches, 1%
Weight: 7 lbs 4 oz, 4% - up from 5 lbs 0 oz, 1%
The doctor said your growth and development was right on track. He was a little concerned because your skin tone still has a yellow tinge to it, which can be a sign of jaundice. He decided to do a blood test to make sure your Billirubin levels were not too high. (We got the results the next day and they were slightly elevated. The doctor said not to worry, the level is continuing to drop from when you were in the hospital, which is just what they want to see.) You also had to have your second Hepatitis B shot. For the first time mommy heard you cry (you never cry) and you even held your breath for a few second. It was very hard for mommy to watch. I can't believe you had to be poked twice in one day, mommy is very sorry!
Here are a few pictures from your visit to the pediatrician....
Waiting in the lobby. (Mommy loved your cute outfits that day)
Morgan on the scale. 
Sydney on the scale. Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Lactation Specialist
My last post from yesterday was quite long so I decided to make a separate post about our feeding issues. As I mentioned in my post on 03/18/2010, since we left the hospital I had been able to give the girls 100% breastmilk, either from the breast or the bottle. About a week and a half ago, I noticed that my supply was decreasing and I was barely pumping enough for a single feeding {insert panic and despair}. I decided to contact the lactation specialist at the hospital for some guidance. She indicated that there could be a few issues at play: the fact that my immune system was weakened and the fact that I was taking steroids and an antiviral medication for my Bell's Palsy. I guess both of these issues can cause a drop in your milk supply. She suggested that I contact my physician and request a prescription for Reglan (I believe it is an anti-nausea medication). Reglan is believed to increase milk supply in breastfeeding mothers. The doctor called in the prescription for the medication and I started taking it on 03/28/2010. Within two days my supply was back and I felt a HUGE sense of relief!
In an effort to prevent my supply from dropping again, I scheduled an appointment to meet in person with the lactation specialist. I scheduled our appointment with the WONDERFUL lactation specialist we met in the hospital, Kristin. One of the reasons I had not been solely breastfeeding the girls was the fact that they were inefficient nursers after birth and we weren't sure how my milk supply would do, given my previous breast surgery for fibroidadnoma's. At our postpartum appointment (two days after discharge from the hospital), both girls nursed for 30 minutes - Morgan only took in 5mL and Sydney took in 30mL. Because of these numbers, they suggested that I continue to offer them bottles of breastmilk to ensure their intake was adequate and they continued to gain weight. At our appointment with Kristin on 04/02/2010 both girls nursed for 20 minutes. This time, Morgan took in 90mL and Sydney took in 78mL. Essentially both girls were taking in their recommended amounts - they officially graduated to EFFICIENT nursers!! With this information the lactation specialist assured me that I can nurse them without hesitation and even start working towards tandem nursing (two at a time)! I'm still a little nervous to tandem nurse, but when I have someone around to help, I give it a shot. For the most part, I try when I can during the day to nurse them and then give them bottles at night. There are two reasons for the bottles at night: 1) I know how much they are getting and hope that means they will sleep for at least 4 hours and 2) I'm not yet confident at nursing and when I'm tired and sleep deprived, I get frustrated and then the girls get frustrated. So, for the time being we continue to bottle feed the girls breastmilk and I nurse them when I can. For the most part, both girls will take between 90-100mL at each feeding and they are feeding every 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Mommy really couldn't be happier!! Our girls truly are VERY GOOD babies, Steve and I truly feel blessed. God is Good!!
In an effort to prevent my supply from dropping again, I scheduled an appointment to meet in person with the lactation specialist. I scheduled our appointment with the WONDERFUL lactation specialist we met in the hospital, Kristin. One of the reasons I had not been solely breastfeeding the girls was the fact that they were inefficient nursers after birth and we weren't sure how my milk supply would do, given my previous breast surgery for fibroidadnoma's. At our postpartum appointment (two days after discharge from the hospital), both girls nursed for 30 minutes - Morgan only took in 5mL and Sydney took in 30mL. Because of these numbers, they suggested that I continue to offer them bottles of breastmilk to ensure their intake was adequate and they continued to gain weight. At our appointment with Kristin on 04/02/2010 both girls nursed for 20 minutes. This time, Morgan took in 90mL and Sydney took in 78mL. Essentially both girls were taking in their recommended amounts - they officially graduated to EFFICIENT nursers!! With this information the lactation specialist assured me that I can nurse them without hesitation and even start working towards tandem nursing (two at a time)! I'm still a little nervous to tandem nurse, but when I have someone around to help, I give it a shot. For the most part, I try when I can during the day to nurse them and then give them bottles at night. There are two reasons for the bottles at night: 1) I know how much they are getting and hope that means they will sleep for at least 4 hours and 2) I'm not yet confident at nursing and when I'm tired and sleep deprived, I get frustrated and then the girls get frustrated. So, for the time being we continue to bottle feed the girls breastmilk and I nurse them when I can. For the most part, both girls will take between 90-100mL at each feeding and they are feeding every 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Mommy really couldn't be happier!! Our girls truly are VERY GOOD babies, Steve and I truly feel blessed. God is Good!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
