Time flies when you have twins!

Both "eating" thier drums

First visit with Santa

Jared giving a new meaing to being "in" the saucer

Anthony on the one day he decided to smile at the camera

I tell my self multiple times each week "You really need to update the blog!" I feel that I am letting down those of you who still follow the blog regularly. I am not really one to set resolutions for the New Year, but I will definitely do my best to update more frequently. I am sure you can only begin to imagine how hectic my life is everyday :)

One of my books about raising multiples has a Congratulations chapter near the older infancy/first birthday section. The author (pediatrician and mom of twins) congratulates me for making it through the first year with twins. She writes about how as a Mom of twins I have probably never felt more house-bound than you have this past year and how the year really does fly by because of how amazingly busy you are. This is so true. I do my best to take in each experience I get with Jared and Anthony because it moves so quickly.

The boys are doing very well. They just got over a cold which means Anthony needed to have his ear infection re-checked so he began another antibiotic last Thursday. It is definitely no fun having twins with colds but doubly no fun when they have ear infections also. The doctor recommended bringing them in for a recheck if they happened to get a cold, good thinking Doc!

Jared and Anthony had their first appointment and CHOC's developmental clinic last month. It was kind of a culture shock for Jason and I because the therapists, doctors and dietitian that we met with only refer to them as their adjusted gestational age (three months behind) where as our pediatrician always treats them at their actual age.

So, at the time of the test (Age 10+ Months) their adjusted age was 7 months 2 days. The therapists tested them at that age. We met with an occupational therapist and a child psychologist that basically played with each boy separately to see how they interacted, manipulated toys and applied problem solving skills. Both Jared and Anthony scored within normal limits (at or about their adjusted age of 7 months) on all areas of testing and actually both tested higher (at 9-11 months) on both active and receptive communication skills. We were very happy with their report. Unfortunately, this being their first assessment, although good scores this time, they warned us that there may still be bumps in the road for them in the future.

We met with a dietitian who spoke with us about the boys eating habits. We were happy to report that they love food (everything except cottage cheese). She was surprised that they were doing so well with finger foods and actually was slightly put off that we started them on the food schedule based on their actual age rather than their adjusted age. We explained to her that our pediatrician treats them at their actual age and we go by her advice. When the dietitian found out the boys' were already on toddler formula and we would be transitioning to milk at 12 months, she explained to us that they may not be ready. Jason and I had a discussion when we left the clinic and decided that with no disrespect to the dietitian, we would go with our doctor's advice...she did make it through medical school!

Both boys are on the move! Jared is a crawling fool and Anthony still gets everywhere he needs to go by rolling. Anthony is now pulling himself up and is often standing in his crib when I go to get him from his nap. It really is the cutest thing, he thinks he is just so amazing (which he is!). Jared is beginning to stand with his hands still on the floor (similar to the yoga pose: Downward Dog) and they both enjoy standing while holding on to something.

Their first trip to visit Santa went surprisingly well. Neither of them cried and Anthony just stared at him and played with his beard. So funny! We are definitely ready for their first Christmas and then their First Birthday just 11 short days after that. My how time flies.

This time of year as been incredibly hard for me personally. I have so many memories of my pregnancy during the holidays (mostly of my swollen feet) and then it always leads to the day that they were born. Such a bittersweet day for Jason and I. We have been talking a lot about how we will handle Jan 5th 2011. Obviously, it is the day that our amazing miracles were born and the day that our lives were blessed forever. However, the day also brings up some very traumatic memories that I am still dealing with, or trying to anyway. I often wonder if it will be this way for us forever, for the next few years or maybe just the first year...only time will tell.

Thank you again for those who still follow the blog. I make a promise to you (since you care enough) that I will do the same and update more frequently.

Fight On! Little Fighters!! - Love Momma

10 Months Old!

Jared and Anthony turned 10 months old on Nov. 5th and we celebrated with doses of Amoxicillin and Tylenol :)

Both boys have their first ear infection. Honestly, it came as a surprise to me; they didn't have a fever and weren't irritable. I called the doctor last week to talk to a nurse about Jared. Both boys had just gotten over a cold and Jared started coughing again. He was only coughing at night, and so much so that he would wake himself up several times a night. The nurse suggested that I bring him in to have his ears checked...and sure enough both boys had ear infections. Anthony's worse than Jared's and with no symptoms, until later that night. Anthony decided he didn't want to sleep, so Momma wasn't going to sleep either. We stayed up until 3:30AM, well he would sleep on an off, but couldn't stay asleep because he couldn't get comfortable, then slept until 5:30AM then we were up again :( Luckily, that was the worst night to report.

Jared and Anthony are both sitting up very well on their own and are rolling all over the house. Jared will get up on his hands and knees and rock back and forth...I think crawling is in his future. As for Anthony, he is content rolling everywhere he needs to go. It is so funny how their personalities are so different. Jared is the first one to do anything related to mobility while Anthony is never in a hurry (foreshadowed by how they were born!).

We are still enjoying our Kindermusik class every Monday and all of the Mom's comment on how much the boys change from week to week and how great they are doing developmentally. We have our appt with the EDAC (Early Developmental Assessment Clinic) for preemies at CHOC next week, so we will see what the professionals have to say. This being our first visit, I am not exactly sure what to expect. My understanding is that we will meet with many different people who will assess the growth and development of each baby. We will be a part of the clinic until the boys are about 3 years old at least.

The pediatrician is very happy with their growth and seems to think they aren't too far behind in other areas.

We have been to the neurosurgeon twice now. Dr. Loudon indicated that Anthony's situation is purely cosmetic but would like to take a look at a 3D scan of his skull just to make sure. Today, Anthony had his CT scan done and we went directly to Dr. Loudon's office where we received mixed news. Anthony does have a mild metopic ridge in his forehead but it should cause no developmental problems with his brain or its growth. However, he is going to refer us to a cranio-facial plastic surgeon for an opinion on fixing the shape of his forehead via surgery.

Dr. Loudon asked "Have I scared you enough?" to that, Jason and I replied that as parents of preemies we prepare ourselves for any news at an appointment like this. Dr. Loudon said that Anthony's case is so mild and he suggested that the plastic surgeon may take one look at him and not think operating is worth the risk. Of course, Jason and I hope for that, but we are realistic in thinking that surgery may be on the horizon.

For those of you who don't know what a metopic ridge is (I didn't either) it is when the forehead bone fuses too early and creates a ridge down the center of the forehead. It can cause a triangle-shaped forehead rather than a flat forehead with a prominent brow. Anthony's ridge is barely noticeable but is palpable. According to Dr. Loudon, Anthony's eyes are closer together and the divots above the eyebrows are not as far to the sides as they should be. In my opinion, you can't tell any of this until someone points it out. On the other hand, he does have a lop-sided head from positional molding (which is very common in preemies) and the surgery would also even this out. Jason and I are concerned of what this means for Anthony in the long term and Dr. Loudon says that the only concerns will be cosmetic and that the plastic surgeon would be able to answer our questions about how it will effect his growth.

This concerns Jason and I because, as we all know, no kid wants to be different when they are growing up. I was constantly picked on because I was the only redhead...how about that for shallow. So unfortunately, we will somehow need to make a decision for Anthony, but how will we know what he wants? Dr. Loudon said that sometimes kids ask the question when they get older "Why didn't you fix this when I was young?" What a spot to be in. We will only know the details once we speak to the plastic surgeon in a few weeks.

On a happy note, I am thoroughly enjoying spending my days with both of them. I love playing with them and watching them grow right before my eyes. I am so grateful that Jason supported the decision for me to stay home with them and although it has been hard some months, we both believe it is well worth the struggles.

I have been having a hard time with their napping lately, Anthony being the defiant one, but the last week or so has been much better. They are still sleeping well at night and taking two two hour naps during the day. They are still voracious eaters and haven't found anything they don't like...well cottage cheese is questionable. They have begun eating cheeses, yogurt, pasta and diced fruits. It won't be too long until they can switch to milk from formula, which will save so much money :) Hip Hip Hooray!

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers through this hard time, just have you have done for the past ten months. We are eternally grateful for your continued support.

Fight On! Little Fighters!! - Love Momma

9 Months Old - - WOW!

Jared feeding himself a rice cracker

Anthony enjoying one too!

Anthony (Left) Jared (Right)

The boys celebrated their 9 month birthday on Oct. 5th, we can hardly believe it. They are both getting so big and changing every day.

Last week, we went to the pediatrician for their 9 month check up. Jared weighs 17 lbs. 9 oz and Anthony weighs 17 lbs. 12 oz and both are 26 inches long. They are moving up on the growth chart and are both in about the 10th percentile for a 9 month old baby...Can you believe it? No immunizations ordered this time, but of course, they did each get a flu shot. Neither of them cried, we were there to comfort them as soon as they got the shot, so not even a tear. I think it is actually harder on Jason and I then it is on them when they get a shot. They have no idea its coming, but you do, then to see their little face frown and begin to cry...it breaks our hearts.

Their doctor is pleased with their growth and development. She thinks that they aren't too far behind where they should be at this age. They are both rolling all over the place and if they could just get their tummies off the ground, they will be scooting and maybe even crawling soon.

One area of concern it Anthony's head. Although it has evened itself out significantly since he began rolling over and sleeping on his tummy, the doctor wants it to be checked out. She is referring him to a Neurosurgeon at CHOC to make sure his skull bones have not prematurely fused and there is still room for growth and movement. She said she isn't too worried about it since there has been even growth since the last appointment, but she would rather be safe than sorry. If in fact, any of his skull bones have fused early, it could cause his head to grow lengthwise instead of equally all around and surgery would be needed to separate the bones.

Jared is the first to say "Dada." It happened last Monday night and Jason and I looked at each other puzzled...Did he really say what we thought he said? Sure enough...it was "Dada." Jason is so excited and tries to get him to say it every chance he gets. Anthony likes to babble a lot and by the way he is going, it seems like his first word might actually be "Uh-oh," but we'll have to wait and see.

We started attending a Kindermusik class on Mondays. It is a Mommy and Me class where the boys play and interact with other babies their age and there is lots of music and fun songs. They seem to really enjoy it and Anthony seems to have a crush on Miss Annette (the teacher). Jason had this past Monday off so he was able to go with us, and of course, he had fun too.

The only real struggle lately has been nap time. Some days are great and other days, not so much. I've been working on it the past 3 weeks, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. Both boys are sleeping much better at night, but apparently don't like sleeping when the sun it out :) Jason said the other day, it is so funny how babies and kids fight taking naps but teenagers and adults can't ever seem to get enough sleep, funny how the tables turn.

The boys are starting to enjoy finger foods now and are still adding many new fruits and veggies to their everyday menu. Most recently, they have tried (and loved) watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberries and yogurt. Jason and I are most looking forward to switching them to milk once they are 12 months old. Formula is ridiculously expensive! Their doctor even gave us the green light to introduce milk a few weeks early if they don't have an adverse reaction to it.

All in all, things are going very well. I can't believe I've already started to plan their 1st Birthday party...time flies.

Thank you again for all of your love an support,

Fight On! Little Fighters!! - Love Momma

Doing Well and Growing Fast

As we approach the boys' 8 month birthday, we are pleased to announce they are doing very well. They continue to eat well and are sleeping better every night.

Both Jared and Anthony had a trip to the pediatric opthamologist a few weeks ago, for a routine eye check up. He was pleased with their vision as of yet and will be seeing them again in six months. From here on out, they will be seen every six months for eye exams unless something irregular comes up.

They are both sleeping well at night, with a few night terrors every once in a while. While, these night terrors don't wake them up, their screaming sure wakes me up. We have been directed by the nurse at their pediatrician's office, not to wake them up when they are having a night terror, but rather just to let them cry. Unfortunately, these can often last 10 or even 30 minutes. According to the nurse, babies and toddlers often have night terrors during a new developmental phase in their life. They can start as early as six months and come and go throughout their childhood. Also, both boys are rolling over comfortably now so I am in their room multiple times each night to check on them since they like to sleep on their sides and tummies now.

The boys have also enjoyed time in the pool this summer. They love the freedom of being to splash and kick. In fact, bath time has become a mini swimming/splash session, as I am usually soaked after giving them both a bath.

Bad news, the boys both had their first cold about a week ago. But with a humidifier, sleep, vapor baths and of course, saline drops and an aspirator for their nose, we all made it through fine.

Still no teeth yet. Both of them have been drooling and chewing like crazy, but no sign of a tooth on either of them. Yesterday afternoon, Anthony's mouth had a little blood in it and although I wasn't sure if that is a normal sign of teething, that was my first thought. Turns out, looks like he just scratched his gums with one of the many things he likes to put in his mouth :)

They are both getting stronger each day. While neither of them will sit up on their own for any duration of time, we see improvement day to day. Anthony, in fact, would rather stand than sit if he has his choice. He is much happier if you hold his hands and let him stand in front of you rather than sitting in between your legs.

They have become a lot more playful lately and love when I "get them" or play peek-a-boo. They also noticed each other for the first time a few weeks ago and even had their first fight. Jared wanted to suck/chew on Anthony's arm, but I guess Anthony did not want that, because Jared ended up with a scratch on his forehead. Albeit a coincidence, I still thought it was a funny sequence of events.

Anthony has found his screaming voice - yeah!! He tends to be more vocal than Jared in that he loves to talk all the time. He will talk in his sleep, talk to himself if he wakes up early from his nap and of course, loves yelling. It is funny, because you are not sure if it is happy or sad at first, but it turns out, he just loves to hear himself!

Thank you for your continued support and love,
Fight On! Little Fighters!! Love Momma

Celebrating 4 Months Home!

Today, we celebrate having our boys home with us for four months! It seems like it has gone by so fast.

Great news to report, we received a call from the boys' pediatrician and it seems that Jared's brain bleed and cysts have resolved on their own! Yeah!

Jared and Anthony are still doing wonderfully and are changing ever minute of every day. Still growing stronger and stronger. Jared is the first to roll from his back to his tummy, but Anthony is not far behind and will be doing the same any day now. It is so funny to watch them learn how to flip their little body over. Jared knew what he wanted to do, and just kept trying harder and harder with a little progress each time, until he finally made it. I never even tried to teach him, he just started arching his back and flipping one leg over on his own. That is the stage that Anthony is in now, arching his back and getting the idea.

With rolling over on the horizon, swaddling has become our next hurdle. Last appointment, I spoke to the doctor about swaddling them, and she said it is safe until they are able to unwrap themselves and then the blanket or wrap become a suffocation risk. Since Jared was showing interest in rolling over, I knew we would have to stop swaddling at some point soon.

One night last week, I thought we would test it out...cold turkey. Huge Mistake!! I was up until 3:30 AM with them on and off until I finally gave up and swaddled them, then miraculously, they slept. But the weird part is that when they would cry, it was actually a scream and when I would go check on them, they were still asleep but screaming and crying so loud. I didn't know what to think. Any time we would put them down without swaddling, I would have to answer to this type of crying. I did a little research online and it seems that this is very common for babies that love to be swaddled as much as Jared and Anthony do. It seems that while they might be outgrowing swaddling due to safety reasons, they are not quite ready to let go of it yet.

So according to my research online, it seems that they are actually having a type of nightmare due to the fact that they do not feel secure that Momma is around and able to be there for them when needed. (It was either that or the startling reflex waking them up, but since they do not actually wake up while crying, it seems that the nightmare/security issue is our issue.) So, after reading suggestions online, we are now going to slowly (day by day) un-swaddle one limb at a time. So currently they sleep and nap with their left arm out, which seems to help, slightly. They are still having crying periods a few times each night, but those should decrease soon (I hope). It was either this, or some Moms suggest shutting the door and not going back in until the morning and I am just not quite sure I can handle that.

I do (not surprisingly) have a hard time letting them "cry it out." I understand that that is the best way for most babies, but I just have such a hard time letting them get to that point after all they have been to. Luckily, bedtime and nap time are relatively easy for them and there is little if any fussing or crying to get them to sleep. They are well into their routine now.

It is so cute, they are finally starting to acknowledge one another now. They often times just sit and stare at each other, it seems like they are saying "Hey, I know you...and you look like me!"

They are still eating every four hours during the day and still love everything they have tried so far. Some type of squash will be our next venture, as for now we are trying out yummy combos...Sweet Potato/Banana mush anyone??

Now that we are eating more, they are flying through the formula and diapers...It really gets crazy with two at the same time. Recently I had to go to the Babies R Us by our house 3 times before they had the formula we use, I tried to explain to the sales associate that I do not have time to be running back and forth. So the next time, I called to check first, and after waiting on hold for 18 minutes and then having to call back to wait another 6 minutes, I could have just driven there myself! Geese - don't they know I have hungry twins at home :)

Many thanks again for your continued love, support and prayers. We owe everything to God's grace.

Fight on Little Fighters!! Love Momma

Boys still growing!

We have updated weights on both of them! As of the beginning of July, Jared weighed 13 lbs. 10 0z. and Anthony weighed 14 lbs even. The pediatrician said that she is very pleased with their growth and that they are even on the growth chart for weight. They both fall into the 3rd percentile for 6 month old infants. Jason and I were very surprised and overjoyed to hear that!

As far as length (24" each) and head circumference, they are not quite on the chart for 6 month olds yet, but the doctor is optimistic that at the rate they are growing, it won't be long. We were also very surprised to find out that Jared has a bigger head circ. than Anthony now. For a long time we jokingly called Anthony "Big Head" because his head seemed so much bigger than Jared's, but not any more.

Both are still enjoying discovering new foods. I have been cook and pureeing most all of their baby food from the beginning, it is so easy and very nutritious for them. I do find myself going to the grocery store more often than usual and of course, most of my cart is fresh organic produce, not a bad thing. They have loved carrots and apples recently. I also introduced a single grain oatmeal in lieu of rice cereal, Jared loves it but I think it gave Anthony an upset tummy. He had a few pretty fussy days and threw up twice, so we will try the oatmeal again later. No big deal for him...Rice cereal has always been his absolute favorite.

The boys are well on their way to sitting up on their own. We have been using their highchairs for feeding for some time now, which has helped them get used to the idea. Jared seems to have slightly better head control than Anthony right now and can actually sit on his own for all of about 2-3 seconds before falling over. Anthony will sit up with support but is not all that interested. He gives it about 10 minutes and then is over it and wants to be held.

We have noticed over the last few weeks that Anthony seems to be the "cuddler" of the two. He has not problem settling in and cuddling up in your arms for a snuggle. He rests his head right in the crook of your neck and just hugs you. It is so cute. Often times when I am sitting on the couch holding him, I find him moving his little fingers back and forth on my tummy almost as if he is trying to tickle me.

They are both still sleeping well and responding very well to their four hour feeding schedule.

They are becoming increasingly vocal and love to sit and talk. As soon as they wake up in the morning, the conversation begins. I love to egg them on with phrases like " I Loooovvveee Yooouuu" and "Hhhiiii Mooommmaaa" it really gets them talking up a storm.

Jared has a follow up head ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow morning at St. Jude. The pediatrician wants to follow up to see if the cysts from his brain bleed have completely resolved. She will call with the results in the next few weeks. I think we will have to stop by the NICU to see if any of our nurses are working, I am sure they would love to see the babies.

The boys are doing great when we go out and about. I took them to have their 6 month pictures done last week and they have enjoyed their first trips to the pool (which they both loved). Speaking of swimming, since they went in the pool for the first time, they have been getting me soaking wet with all of their splashing and kicking in the bathtub. Once they can sit up on their own, it might be time for the big bathtub.

4th of July brought their first parade! My aunt's neighborhood has a big block party every year which starts with a parade up and down their street then has backyard games, bounce houses, swimming and a pot luck lunch. We decorated the boys' stroller with American flags and red, white and blue streamers and I pushed their stroller in the parade...while they slept :) But it was fun nonetheless! They even won their first medals, the prize for best stroller, or was it cutest sleeping twins (?) doesn't matter, everyone received a medal for something.

The other day we went shopping and a woman asked me how old the boys were, when I replied "6 months" she said "what big babies!" Can you believe that? I don't particularly think they are big for their age (only 3rd percentile) but can you believe that someone actually thinks they are big?? My heart dropped...I never thought I'd hear that about one of my babies. One of my babies that was born 3 1/2 months early and weighed approx 2 lbs. Holy Moley!! Now everyday I look at them and tell them how big they are :) Thank you to that lady at the mall!!

I sincerely apologize for the delay in the posts, I am definitely going to make an effort to post their progress more frequently. I appreciate everyone who continues to check in on us and is eager to hear about how they are doing. I guess I need to get myself on a schedule and set aside a time to blog.

Thank you again for all of your continued support.

Fight On! Little Fighters!! - Love Momma

They boys are doing well and changing everyday

Jason and the boys with Dr. Hicks and Nurse Imelda at the St. Jude NICU Reunion

Anthony graced us with our first "Diaper Blow Out"
Anthony not liking the stroller too much...eventually he gave in.

Jared on his first stroller ride, a little more enjoyable.

As Jason mentioned in the last post, they are still in the beginning stages of enjoying solid foods. Yesterday was their first day taking their highchairs for a ride, they will learn to love them, I'm sure. They have been eating both bananas and avocado for the past few weeks, in addition to rice cereal, and today we tried sweet peas. It was their first jarred baby food. After getting a whiff of them, I wasn't exactly sure if they would like them as much as they did.

Yesterday afternoon we went for a walk and it was the boys' first time in their stroller without their carriers. With the help of some balnkets to prop them up, they did just fine and fell asleep before we got home.

Thankfully, they are sleeping well at night without any more middle of the night feedings. Thier bedtime is 8PM with another late night feeding at 11PM then they sleep until 8AM when we start our day. I am currently in the process of changing them to a 4-hour schedule. It seemed to be what they wanted and are doing well so far. Although I am still having a little trouble with them sleeping continuously through their naps, there is no problem with their eating.

They are well into 3 month size in regards to clothes, so they are growing like weeds. We have our next appointment with the pediatrician in the early part of July, so we will have updated weights and lenghts then.

The boys are anxiously awaiting to celebrate Jason's first Father's Day with him, unfortunately for him it also lands on my birthday. I am not too worried about my birthday this year, Jason deserves a day of his own.

Thank you again to all of you who continue to follow our story on here. I will do my best to update it more regularly with their new and exciting changes.

Fight on Little Fighters! -Love Momma