Random

Yesterday was pretty much the first full day that the kiddos and I were alone all day. It didn't go so bad in retrospect. Yes there were some hairy moments, some tears (kids and mine) but at the end of the day Andy was home, dinner was eaten, a walk with the dog along with Ellie in the Baby Bjorn had been completed. We even drove to pick up clothes from the drycleaner. My drycleaner lady friends gave me a gift for the babies. It made my day. Nice people.

Here's a little taste of a part of my day.

As my sister Pattie says "They don't always cry at the same time and try to find some humor in it." I was not laughing at the time.

Colic

What is colic? It refers to a condition when a baby cries excessively for no apparent reason. It peaks between 3 to 6 weeks old and usually lasts until about 3 to 4 months old. I am pretty sure our Ellie has colic. It is very difficult. I sometimes cry along with her because I don't know how to help her. She vomits her "meals" atleast twice per day. The pediatrician told me that a colicky baby should be held atleast 3 hours a day. That is sometimes difficult because I have another baby. Thank goodness our John is very mellow and allows me to console Ellie for long periods of time.
There is only peace when she sleeps. She is never happy when she is awake. We are trying a hypoallergenic formula, but so far I don't see any changes. I may try a soy-based formula next.
We try many methods to quiet her. We walk with her, bounce her, rock her, put her in the stroller, take her for a ride in the car, put her on her belly, run the dryer, run the vacuum, run the faucet.. and sometimes this seems to work...

Does anyone have any other ideas???

4 week check up

Okay they are 5 weeks not 4 weeks.... The kiddos were weighed at the pediatrician's office yesterday. They are growing like weeds.
John weighs in at 9 lbs 1 1/2 oz.
Elinor weighs in at 8 lbs 11 oz.

They are both in the 50th percentile for weight and head circumference - which surprises me about John because his head looks big like his Daddy's.... However, they are considered petite for their height/length.

The family took a nice walk this morning. The house literally looks like a tornado went through it. One of the couch cushions is without a cover because it was spit up on. Lloyd chewed up a roll of tape and it is littering the living room floor. We have car seats, bouncy seats, pack n play, swing scattered.... Formula bottles are half made. The beds are not made. Laundry is not done.

I am showered! And breakfast has finally been eaten. Yes!

Tough Day

We had a tough day here. We got out of the house early to run some errands and then we stopped at Osborn Park. I walked a mile while Lloyd ran at the dog park and Kelly took the kids for a spin in their stroller - a 1.9 mile walk.

We got back to the house at 12:15 and started to feed the babies. Ellie vomited twice on her formula and then it took 2 hours to finally calm her down. John fed well, of course, but he would not settle either. So this is what one must do to finally settle the chitlins....

.... you put them in the big bed with you.....

Back Home

Back home this week. We had a great week in Olean. Mimi was a huge help to me. Andy drove in on Friday and took me out for an anniversary dinner. We went to the Old Library and had a very tasty dinner and dessert. I think we were home feeding babies by 11pm. Happy 2nd Anniversary!

Kelly is here this week. I am so lucky to have so much help and support. The babies have been great today. I hope good nappers doesn't necessary equal bad night sleepers..... I guess we will find out.

Family Time

We are in Olean this week staying with Mimi and Grandpa. I drove in with Kathleen and Morgan - packed into Kath's Chevy Tracker with the twins and the dog. It was incredibly uncomfortable but the rewards are endless. Wendy (Mimi) does the night shift alone. I must get about 6 or 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep. It is wonderful. Plus while I am here, I have no house work to do so I have a lot of relaxing time.
Pam came to visit today. I dropped the kids off at their grandma's house (Reg) while Morgan and I ran some "errands". We shopped at Old Navy. It was nice to fit into regular clothes. I am back to my pre pregnancy weight. I will start exercising (other than walking) as soon as the doctor says its okay.

Autumn is around the corner. Dad had a fire in the fireplace last night. Loved it!

The kids have been great. We miss Daddy terribly! Cannot wait until he gets here on Friday for the weekend.

Cheers to Moms

Andy received a standing ovation from many who attended the city council meeting last night. Many people got up and gave him glorious complements about the job he was doing for the city. I am pretty proud of him. He deserves the positive recognition for all of his gosh darn hard work (not to mention time away from home).


How nice to get a standing ovation for a job well done! You don't really hear of that. So right this minute I am giving a shout out and a standing ovation to all of the moms, whether working or stay at home.

Seriously, being a mom is the toughest job I have ever had... hands down. It's not just about taking care of twins. There is the washing bottles, cleaning dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, doing laundry, cleaning bathrooms, taking care of the dog, cooking, grocery shopping, making sure the bills get paid, making beds, picking up clothes off of the floor, washing the car seat pad when vomited on, etc., etc. I applaud all Moms today and everyday.

Currently, I have one baby sleeping in the car seat and one sleeping in the Baby Bjorn on my chest. I tried to establish a so called "routine" today but it went out the window at around 10 am this morning. We did have a bit of Tummy Time.....

Lloyd loved it... the kids - not so much. We shall try a little bit each day. What else do I do with newborns?
I forgot to post pictures of their first bath. I think after the initial shock, they both really liked it.