12 Weeks Old

I can't believe that it has been 12 weeks since Jane and Sydney were born. Part of me feels like it was yesterday and the other part feels like they have been here forever. Both of the girls are doing really well, and I feel like we are really in a groove. When they first got home, I would wake up in the morning and think "Are we going to make it today?" Now I think "what are we going to do today?" Both girls are smiling and cooing frequently, which is so sweet. They are more and more alert during the day, and Clare enjoys talking to them (usually about 1 inch from their face.) All in all, things are going well, which brings me to my next point....

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us over the last 3 months. Whether you brought a meal, babysat, came by for a visit, or even said an encouraging word, it has made a world of difference. We could not have made it without you. If you actually read this blog, you probably deserve a thank you. Also, a big shout out to those of you who gave us diapers at the diaper shower (or any other time). Thus far, we haven't had to buy any diapers for the little ones, and that's saying something. Kudos to you all!

Elmo did not disappoint. Clare loved it. From the moment the lights went down, her eyes were glued to the stage. Every once in a while, she would wave and say "Hi Elmo. Hi Cookie. Hi Big Bird." She clapped and danced and was thoroughly entertained. When it was over, she kept saying "More Elmo dance." Casey and I basically just watched Clare watch the show.

There was tons of Sesame Street paraphernalia set up outside the theater. .. places to get your picture made, t-shirts to buy, Elmo toys, etc. Clare had her picture made in front a poster of the cast, and she came away with one toy. Of course, everything, from the tickets to the souvenirs, was totally overpriced. I would say that it was a rip-off, but that implies that it wasn't worth it. And, I think it was totally worth it.

Just Some Pictures

The picture below is Jane smiling, and the one after that is of Sydney...without a smile. They both have started to smile a lot, but I haven't been able to capture Sydney's on film. Jane is also rolling from her tummy to her back. The first time I thought it was a fluke deal, but I have seen her do it several times since.

Hayley and then Casey, at 8 weeks...just to compare

The twins got their second RSV shots yesterday, and they both weigh 10 lbs. They have essentially doubled size since they were born.

Look for a big Elmo post coming soon. Casey and I are taking Clare to see "When Elmo Grows Up" tomorrow. I can't wait! It is a sign of the times that I haven't seen any of the movies up for Academy Awards, but I will have seen Elmo's show!

Why is it...

...that the walk from my bedroom to the nursery grows exponentially longer in the middle of the night?

...that when I have a spare minute, I can't ever think of all the stuff I need to do?

...that snaps on pajamas are my worst nightmare in the wee hours of the morning?

...that Clare, who is a great sleeper, has started waking up in the middle of the night since the twins were born?

...that even with all the nighttime wakings and incessant feedings, I still think my girls are growing up too fast?

...that when Clare stays up two hours later than usual, she wakes up one hour earlier?

...that when someone comes over to help me with the girls, they are all on their best behavior?

To Wake or Not to Wake

Here is my dilemma: During the night, when one girl wakes, I feed her and then wake the other to feed her. If I don't feed them at the same time, I'm afraid I will be up every hour feeding someone. For example, last night I fed the girls at 10:00 and put them to bed. Jane woke up at 1:30. I fed her and then woke Sydney up. Then, Jane woke at 4:30. I had to wake Sydney again. My question is this: Am I teaching Sydney to wake up through the night? Should I just grin and bear it and let each of them wake on her own? Any advice? Moms? Moms with twins?

Happy Valentine's Day

EEWWW!

Guess where Clare put her juice cup yesterday?

That's right. The diaper champ. She put her cup in, turned the handle, and sent her juice down with all the dirty diapers. Gross.

Peek-a-boo

Double Take and Doctor Reports

With hospital bills and insurance information piling up, I decided to get organized. I sat down to go through them the other night, and I came upon the bill from the neonatologist group that treated the girls at delivery and in the NICU. I briefly looked at Jane's and saw that it was an itemized bill, starting with my C-section. The first charge was listed as "Delivery Attendance" and the following charges were for the doctors to make rounds during each day of the girls' hospital stay. Nothing stood out, so I moved onto Sydney's bill. Again, the first charge was for "Delivery Attendance." It was the second line that made me do a double take. It read "Infant Resuscitation."
Now, I knew that Sydney had a hard delivery and that it was pretty tense in that operating room. I also knew that she wasn't breathing when she came out. So, it only makes sense that she would need resuscitating, but seeing it written in black and white really made me think. I had a sick feeling in my stomach thinking 'what if.' I am so thankful for my three healthy girls. Maybe I should be a little more appreciative when I hear Sydney's lungs open up in the middle of the night`and let out that loud cry!
With all of that said, I am very happy to report that both girls got a clean bill of health at their two month check-up. Jane weighs 9 lbs. 4 oz. and Sydney weighs just shy of 9 lbs. It is always nice to hear that they are gaining weight and progressing well!

Family Outings

This weekend marked our first outing as a family of 5. On Sunday afternoon, we took the girls to the park. Clare loves to feed the ducks, play on the playground, and throw sticks in the ponds.

The little girls just cruised around in their double stroller. I am not sure they even knew they were outside....they never woke up!


Later that afternoon, we went to Deedee and Papaw's for the Super Bowl. It was the twins' first trip to their house. The Eoffs were there as well, and all the girls enjoyed seeing everyone.



The girls were all dressed in their Valentine's gear. I figure they might as well wear it while they can!

I'm an AUNT!

Brody Reece Jennings arrived at 7:27 this morning. He weighed 8 lbs. 8 oz. Nathan and Megan are both doing well....although very tired. I am so excited about my new role in life! See Brody's blog for more pictures!