We tried waking Lexie up for the photo shoot, but she wasn't having it. Meanwhile, Josie spit up on herself, so that was when we all decided the photo shoot was over ;)
Friday, January 24, 2014
Happy Birthday to Grandpa Eric
We tried waking Lexie up for the photo shoot, but she wasn't having it. Meanwhile, Josie spit up on herself, so that was when we all decided the photo shoot was over ;)
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Hey guess what, its your due date!
Today, January 23, 2014, is the girls' due date! Of course they came a little bit early, and we knew they would.
Here are some random photos taken with my crappy cell phone camera.
We have been attending a weekly lactation class offered by our hospital, which has been a real help and also provides some comfort as we get to weigh the girls each time we go. It is nice to see that they are growing in general, but the real purpose of weighing the girls before and after they eat is to determine how much they are eating during each breast feeding session. Since I have limited time feeding two mouths, it is nice to know that they are very efficient eaters.
Here are there numbers from yesterday:
When we got to class, Alexandra weighed 5lbs9.6ozs (birth weight, 4lbs15ozs). After eating, Lexie weighed 5lbs12.5ozs!!! In ten minutes, she ate 2.9 ozs. And, left class almost a full pound over her birth weight!
When we got to class, Josephine weighed 5lbs6.8ozs (birth weight, 5lbs2ozs). After eating, Josie weighed 5lbs9ozs!!! In about 18 minutes, she ate 2.7 ozs.
The goal is for the girls to each eat about 1.6 ozs per feeding. They clearly surpassed that.
Josie is our fussy eater, so I was pleased to see that she is eating just fine, with a little help from the lactation consultant with her latch on and technique. What I was very surprised to see is that Lexie has surpassed her sister in weight!! I did not expect this at all, as Lexie still fits into outfits that Josie has grown out of (still in preemie, and swimming in newborn clothes). But I think that is because Josie is long, and Lexie is filling out.
And the real accomplishment is that I took the girls to class all by myself!! And I did it! I was nervous to handle both on my own, and also I drive like a granny when the girls are in the car, but we did it!
In other news, the girls are sleeping much longer stretches at night now, and have been giving James and I some nice naps during our "shifts" staying up to care for them. They are also awake a bit more during the day, Josie still more than Lexie, but its still nice to see them active and interested in their surroundings.
We gave the girls their first real bath the other night (pictures to come!) and went for a nice long walk in the neighborhood. They did great during both of these activities! We are so lucky and blessed to have such awesome, easy going girls. Sure there are moments of crying and fussiness, but we haven't yet had any total break downs from either of them where we couldn't figure out what was wrong and remedy the problem.
Here are some random photos taken with my crappy cell phone camera.
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| Hanging out at home in our car seats, our favorite place to chill |
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| Mom and her girls! |
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| Sleeping on mom |
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| Josie at lactation class |
When we got to class, Alexandra weighed 5lbs9.6ozs (birth weight, 4lbs15ozs). After eating, Lexie weighed 5lbs12.5ozs!!! In ten minutes, she ate 2.9 ozs. And, left class almost a full pound over her birth weight!
When we got to class, Josephine weighed 5lbs6.8ozs (birth weight, 5lbs2ozs). After eating, Josie weighed 5lbs9ozs!!! In about 18 minutes, she ate 2.7 ozs.
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| Milk comas for everyone |
Josie is our fussy eater, so I was pleased to see that she is eating just fine, with a little help from the lactation consultant with her latch on and technique. What I was very surprised to see is that Lexie has surpassed her sister in weight!! I did not expect this at all, as Lexie still fits into outfits that Josie has grown out of (still in preemie, and swimming in newborn clothes). But I think that is because Josie is long, and Lexie is filling out.
And the real accomplishment is that I took the girls to class all by myself!! And I did it! I was nervous to handle both on my own, and also I drive like a granny when the girls are in the car, but we did it!
In other news, the girls are sleeping much longer stretches at night now, and have been giving James and I some nice naps during our "shifts" staying up to care for them. They are also awake a bit more during the day, Josie still more than Lexie, but its still nice to see them active and interested in their surroundings.
We gave the girls their first real bath the other night (pictures to come!) and went for a nice long walk in the neighborhood. They did great during both of these activities! We are so lucky and blessed to have such awesome, easy going girls. Sure there are moments of crying and fussiness, but we haven't yet had any total break downs from either of them where we couldn't figure out what was wrong and remedy the problem.
Hump Day Bump - two weeks later
I thought I would post a shot of the bump, two weeks after giving birth. I gained a total of 60 lbs while pregnant and have already lost 30, of course 10 of that was baby! The rest has been swelling and other fluids, and I am sure the last 30 will be more difficult to lose, especially when trying to eat healthy while keeping two babies fed and changed.
The pictures are from Wednesday, January 22, right before the girls and I went to lactation class.
One thing I didn't count on post birth, and didn't prepare for, is not having anything to wear. Breast feeding brings a whole set of clothing issues - easy access becomes an issue (more than I expected). Also, I was prepared to wear all of my maternity yoga pants and jeans, but I stretched these items out so badly during those last few weeks that they barely stay up on their own. That said, none of my pre pregnancy clothes fit! So I am in this weird limbo, unsure what to do because no one wants to buy clothes that will fit for just a few weeks. So for now, we are kind of making some things work, and hoping to continue some of the quick "fake" weight loss so I can maybe fit into some of my pre-pregnancy pants sooner than later.
Otherwise, my c-section recovery is going great, I feel absolutely no restrictions with bending or lifting and the scar is tiny and healing really well. There was absolutely no reason for me to be nervous or scared of the surgery at all. The last few weeks I was pregnant, I had a chair in the bathroom so I could sit down while doing my hair and makeup, I had to roll out of bed and I couldn't reach my feet. So, frankly, the c-section recovery was easy peasy comparatively.
Finally, my mom is coming this Saturday and we are looking forward to her visit. While things are getting much easier around here with the girls sleeping longer stretches, it will still be really nice to have someone else here to help hold the girls, change diapers and maybe let mom and dad sleep a few hours at the same time! I also CAN'T WAIT for her to meet her granddaughters. They are the COOLEST little girls ever, and are so freaking cute and beautiful and I can't wait to show them off.
The pictures are from Wednesday, January 22, right before the girls and I went to lactation class.
One thing I didn't count on post birth, and didn't prepare for, is not having anything to wear. Breast feeding brings a whole set of clothing issues - easy access becomes an issue (more than I expected). Also, I was prepared to wear all of my maternity yoga pants and jeans, but I stretched these items out so badly during those last few weeks that they barely stay up on their own. That said, none of my pre pregnancy clothes fit! So I am in this weird limbo, unsure what to do because no one wants to buy clothes that will fit for just a few weeks. So for now, we are kind of making some things work, and hoping to continue some of the quick "fake" weight loss so I can maybe fit into some of my pre-pregnancy pants sooner than later.
Otherwise, my c-section recovery is going great, I feel absolutely no restrictions with bending or lifting and the scar is tiny and healing really well. There was absolutely no reason for me to be nervous or scared of the surgery at all. The last few weeks I was pregnant, I had a chair in the bathroom so I could sit down while doing my hair and makeup, I had to roll out of bed and I couldn't reach my feet. So, frankly, the c-section recovery was easy peasy comparatively.
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| This photo really freaks me out now. That is unnatural!! January 2, 2014 |
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| Three weeks later January 22, 2014 |
As far as my well being, it seems that the roller coaster of emotions have subsided as well, and I am feeling really good and positive. Some of the nights have been hard, with little sleep and a lot of work, but then there are some really great nights where the girls give us long stretches of sleep. James and I have always worked really well together, especially when it comes to handling a task, and we are doing what we do best and handling this together really well. Parenting these two little ladies is really bringing us closer together than ever. It has been such a fun, positive experience. I will be sad when he goes back to work, not only because of being on my own all day, but also because we are really enjoying each other's company.
Finally, my mom is coming this Saturday and we are looking forward to her visit. While things are getting much easier around here with the girls sleeping longer stretches, it will still be really nice to have someone else here to help hold the girls, change diapers and maybe let mom and dad sleep a few hours at the same time! I also CAN'T WAIT for her to meet her granddaughters. They are the COOLEST little girls ever, and are so freaking cute and beautiful and I can't wait to show them off.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Ch-ch-ch-changes!
We are cautiously entering the "colic phase" (inconsolable crying from 6 - 9 pm each night) which apparently lasts from 2 weeks, peaks at 6 weeks, and tapers off by 3 months old. Only 15% of babies have colic, and so far our girls are pretty awesome, so we are hoping to skip right over the "witching hour" phase and just have happy smiley babies.
The girls are being a bit more fussy lately - I think this is just because they aren't going from eating to sleeping to eating to sleeping anymore. They are actually awake for a little while in between, and they like cuddles and bounces and they get gas and need back and tummy rubs. This awake time is also coming with some fun reactions and expressions and some sort-of smiles from the girls. This is so much fun, but can be a bit of work when you have to put the needy baby down to feed the really hungry baby.
I also think they are going through another growth spurt, as the feedings have increased to every two hours in the last two days. The girls are not letting mom and dad take naps during our night shifts. Thankfully, mom and dad are giving each other nice long sleep shifts. I am taking 9:00 - 3:30 (with some breaks to pump and feed) and James is sleeping from 4:00 - 10:00. I think we both count the last minutes of our shift, not because its hard, but because we miss having a partner to help! The day shift is the easiest when we can take turns changing diapers and playing with the girls. Too bad we need sleep!!
Hoping we have some fun photos from our professional photo shoot to share soon!!
The girls are being a bit more fussy lately - I think this is just because they aren't going from eating to sleeping to eating to sleeping anymore. They are actually awake for a little while in between, and they like cuddles and bounces and they get gas and need back and tummy rubs. This awake time is also coming with some fun reactions and expressions and some sort-of smiles from the girls. This is so much fun, but can be a bit of work when you have to put the needy baby down to feed the really hungry baby.
I also think they are going through another growth spurt, as the feedings have increased to every two hours in the last two days. The girls are not letting mom and dad take naps during our night shifts. Thankfully, mom and dad are giving each other nice long sleep shifts. I am taking 9:00 - 3:30 (with some breaks to pump and feed) and James is sleeping from 4:00 - 10:00. I think we both count the last minutes of our shift, not because its hard, but because we miss having a partner to help! The day shift is the easiest when we can take turns changing diapers and playing with the girls. Too bad we need sleep!!
Hoping we have some fun photos from our professional photo shoot to share soon!!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Happy Birth Day Alexandra and Josephine!
WARNING - SLIMY NEWBORN PHOTOS WITH FULL BIRTHDAY SUITS FOLLOW
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| Happy Birthday Alex! |
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| Happy Birthday Josie! |
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| Baby B - Josie |
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| James cuts the cord! Josie. (He also took this photo of himself doing it! Talent!) |
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| Baby A - Happy Birthday Alexandra! |
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| Our long legged Josie! |
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| Josie |
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| Josie! |
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| Josie |
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| Mom super happy :D Hearing some sweet little cries! |
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| Josie getting cleaned up |
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| Mom meeting Josephine |
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| Hi Josie!!! This was the sweetest (scrunchie) face I had ever seen. Love at first sight. |
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| Mom holding her baby for the first time! Meeting baby Alexandra! |
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| Sweet baby Josie! |
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| Not looking too excited to be outside |
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| The girls on their way to the nursery for their APGAR tests (they scored 9s across the board) |
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| Becky seeing her nieces for the first time, but doesn't know yet they are GIRLS! |
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| Aunt Becky |
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| Aunt Becky and Daddy in the nursery while mom is recovering. Becky finding out it is two little ladies! |
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| Getting checked out, and under a nice warm lamp. |
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| Josie |
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| Alex with her sweet cherub face |
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| Alex |
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| Josie |
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| Josie |
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| Josie |
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| Josie |
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| Becky and Alex |
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| Little Alex |
Two weeks old today!
The little ladies are two weeks old today!
It is both unbelievable and reality, that they have been here for two weeks, as it has been the longest two weeks of our lives, yet we can't believe it has already been two weeks.
The girls had their two week appointment yesterday. The main purpose of this appointment is to make sure the girls are eating well, with the goal being that they hit their birth weight. Josie hit hers right on the mark at 5 lbs 2 oz, and Alex, who was 4lbs15oz at birth, weight in at 5lbs1oz!! They passed all of the other exams and we were assured that if they haven't started being fussy yet, they might have a mild case of colic, if at all - colic starts around now and peaks at 6 weeks old.
The Dr. was very impressed with Josie's strength as she is picking up her head already! The Dr. was also impressed with Alex's weight gain and great eating habits.
They are almost the same weight but Josie is a tiny bit longer than Alex and has some chubby cheeks, so she looks a bit bigger and is not quite fitting into the tiny preemie clothing. Neither of them are anywhere near fitting into newborn sizes, but there is a range of preemie and they are both cozy in the largest preemie items.
The Dr. also took my blood pressure - previously 170/107, it is now 120/70 and back to normal, so I am no longer taking any medication. My swelling is almost gone, as well, with my right foot still the worst of it.
Josie and I are attending breast feeding classes and she does amazing in the class, though has not yet done a good job of transferring those skills to home. Its ok though, we are able to continue breast feeding using what is called a "nipple shield" and if that is what we need to keep going, its fine. Dad does night bottle feedings and tells me its a real pain in the ass, so we're hoping to continue breast feeding as long as we can. Also breastfeeding is free and formula is expensive.
I thought it would be fitting to post some birth photos finally. I am just now pulling them off of the camera (it has been a busy two weeks) and its actually my first time seeing these! I will put these in a separate post.
It is both unbelievable and reality, that they have been here for two weeks, as it has been the longest two weeks of our lives, yet we can't believe it has already been two weeks.
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| Playing in our activity gym |
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| And by "playing" we mean being very gassy and sleeping |
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| A great shot of Alex |
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| We used the double carrier and went for a walk to run an errand, and got brave and stopped for a glass of wine! The girls were great. |
The Dr. also took my blood pressure - previously 170/107, it is now 120/70 and back to normal, so I am no longer taking any medication. My swelling is almost gone, as well, with my right foot still the worst of it.
Josie and I are attending breast feeding classes and she does amazing in the class, though has not yet done a good job of transferring those skills to home. Its ok though, we are able to continue breast feeding using what is called a "nipple shield" and if that is what we need to keep going, its fine. Dad does night bottle feedings and tells me its a real pain in the ass, so we're hoping to continue breast feeding as long as we can. Also breastfeeding is free and formula is expensive.
I thought it would be fitting to post some birth photos finally. I am just now pulling them off of the camera (it has been a busy two weeks) and its actually my first time seeing these! I will put these in a separate post.
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